The Thames Freeport Community Ambassador Programme brings together passionate individuals who are helping to shape and strengthen their communities. The Ambassadors represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and local insights. All united by a shared commitment to supporting positive change and opportunity in their region.
The ambassadors have had two separate meetings, one in July 2025 and the most recent one in October 2025, they also took part in a Masterplan workshop to learn more about Thames Freeports future plans to address the needs of the community and create sustainable growth. During both meetings, discussions covered key themes, giving ambassadors the opportunity to share insights gathered from community conversations about local issues.
The key themes which have been discussed in the meetings:
Thurrock Ambassadors – photo taken at the first meeting with Stuart Rimmer
All of the ambassadors were invited to share any ideas, suggestions, or solutions they wished to raise. Some of the responses gathered from the community are outlined below:
“Residents want to see job opportunities & skills training for all ages. They also want to be apart of shaping ideas in the community.”
“Encouraging partnerships with local educational institutions for training programs with Freeport employment opportunities could further strengthen community benefits.”
“Lack of community events throughout all regions, which also includes the communications of general information for the community not being communicated effectively. “
“Poor transport links and high travel costs deter working in remote areas and access to healthcare, affecting low-income families.”
Increasing our reach – what the Ambassadors have told us about the the number of people throughout the region they have reached out to since July 2025:
Thames Freeport is delighted to introduce some of our Community Ambassadors. Below, you will find short bios highlighting their work, stories, and interests. While not every Ambassador is pictured, each plays an important role in driving the Thames Freeport vision forward and building meaningful connections across our communities.
Cheryl Kearney
Cheryl Kearney is CEO of Sycamore Trust, supporting autistic individuals and their families across Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge. With 19 years at Visa International in roles spanning fraud prevention to training, she later managed a preschool for 10 years, developing a passion for SEND. Cheryl enjoys global travel and theatre in her personal time.
Danielle Everitt
Founder of Final Checks Academy CIC in East London. Endorsed by BAFTAS. Passionate about empowering aspiring makeup artists, hair stylists and the next business entrepreneurs. I’m dedicated to building the community within Barking and Dagenham through industry-focused training, supportive learning, and real-world opportunities to help students thrive in the TV and Film Industry.
Ilker Dervish
Director (Chairman) – London Riverside BID. The BID is a Business Improvement District (a business-led body funded by a precept on the business rate formed to improve a defined commercial area).
The BID’s mission is to represent their business community with a coordinated voice so that long-standing challenges are addressed, investment opportunities fully exploited and to provide a supportive service where members can trade productively in a high-quality environment that has the amenities and resources needed to compete successfully.
To attract the investment needed to secure the future of the area as a valuable employment zone for the borough, and the Thames Estuary corridor.
James Mackinley
James founded Advanced Building and Maintenance Services in 2008, focusing on aids and adaptations. James is proud to be both a resident and employer in the borough. With his children and grandchildren attending local schools, James and his family have strong roots there, and he is committed to contributing to the wellbeing and growth of the community.
Keeley Turner
Is a Business Development Manager at Rapid Office. A well-established workplace furniture, interior design, and space planning company based in Havering, operating since 1980.
Keeley has lived and worked across Redbridge, Havering, and Barking & Dagenham their entire life. Keeley has witnessed first-hand how the area has grown and developed, and is proud to have built their career in this dynamic region.
With a strong background in client-facing roles, including sales and export shipping, Keeley brings a wealth of experience in building lasting relationships, understanding customer needs, and delivering tailored solutions that add real value.
Maryam Choudhary
Maryam is a SOAS graduate and global events professional with extensive experience delivering high-profile conferences, exhibitions, and stakeholder engagements.
As the lead Event Coordinator at The Nautical Institute, she specialises in building international partnerships, securing sponsorships, and creating platforms that foster collaboration across the maritime industry. Passionate about community cohesion and connecting people, Maryam is proud to serve as a Thames Freeport Ambassador, supporting the programme’s vision of boosting innovation, trade, and skills development in the local community.
Nassaba Guiba
Nassaba is a dynamic entrepreneur in both private and voluntary sectors, dedicated to horticultural empowerment, leadership, and wellness mentoring. Her work ranges from health and wellness treatments to grassroots initiatives, family support, and holistic well-being.
As a leader of Elevate Together CIC, she has played a key role in building and expanding community projects, fostering meaningful connections between people and organizations for lasting impact. Nassaba is passionate about creating a legacy that empowers future generations to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. By cultivating green spaces and nurturing communities, she strives to inspire lasting change.
Pierre Epoh Moudio
Pierre is an award-winning trainer, author, speaker and ESOL lecturer with over 15 years of experience supporting migrants, job seekers, and vulnerable individuals. As a Thames Freeport Community Ambassador for Barking & Dagenham, he empowers communities through skills training, personal development, and confidence-building, helping people unlock their potential and take meaningful steps toward a better future.
Seb Coombs
Seb is a local business development professional with expertise in higher education, clean technologies and commercial property. He has lived and worked in South-Essex all his life and as a father of two young children is deeply invested in the economic development of the Thames Freeport region
Sharleen Dacosta
Sharleen is the founder of Medworks CIC, a Thurrock based community organisation supporting mental health and SEND families through natural therapies, retreats and inclusive programmes.
With a passion empowering parents, carers, and young people, combining lived experience with expertise in mindfulness, sound therapy, and holistic wellbeing. With tailored initiatives and training programmers, I create safe, supporting spaces for families to connect, heal and grow.
Toyin Taiwo
Toyin is the founder of the Feminine Health and Fibroid Support Network (FHF Support Network) and a passionate advocate for women’s health and awareness around fibroids and related health concerns. Her personal journey with fibroids motivated her to establish a charity dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting women, fostering hope and healing for those facing similar challenges.
As a dedicated campaigner for women’s health rights, Toyin has led initiatives to raise awareness about fibroids and other feminine health issues through education, support programs, and community outreach. Our efforts have empowered women to prioritize their well-being, seek proper care, and break stigmas surrounding these conditions.
By partnering with healthcare professionals and hosting workshops, Toyin has amplified the voices of women affected by these issues. These experiences align closely with UN Women UK’s mission to address gender inequality and promote the health and well-being of women and girls.
Abigail Thomas
Abigail (Abs), works for Harmony House Dagenham – a community-rooted charity supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening neighbourhoods in Barking & Dagenham. Through their activities and projects, they help people feel safe, connected, and valued. Harmony House Dagenham are passionate about building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. A big part of Abigail’s own motivation is showing her son that you can have a job you love while making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Jasmine Cannon-Ikurusi
Jasmine is a social impact leader, speaker, and CEO of The Sapphire Employability and Wellbeing Academy. Growing up in a low-income, ethnically diverse community, Jasmine witnessed how barriers like poverty, systemic racism, and exclusion limited young people’s potential.
Jasmine’s own journey of navigating those challenges inspired her to dedicate her life to empowering youth, especially those from marginalised backgrounds – to access opportunities, believe in their power, and lead transformative change.
