Our team

We see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what we do every day. Our team reflects a group of diverse individuals with breadth and depth of experience across the organisation.

Emily Ashmore


Founder & Director

(Nominated Community Champion – Birmingham Awards 2023 and 2025)


“If you’ve got one person who has your back, you can take on the world.” 💜


Growing up in a poverty-driven area, I was surrounded by people who didn’t have much hope or aspiration. After facing many adverse childhood experiences and spending time with the wrong crowd, I found myself caught up in the criminal justice system — that was a big part of my early life. But through it all, I discovered the power of positive role models. Most of mine weren’t great, but education became my lifeline. Even though I left school without GCSEs, I never stopped learning.


Eventually found my passion — helping others. That’s what inspired me to create OpenDorz: a place built on lived experience, hope, and community.

Ben Osborne


Director


Hey, I’m Ben, a director here at OpenDorz.


I’ve always had a passion for helping others, whether as an individual or part of a wider community. It’s inspiring to see the impact that OpenDorz is making through its projects — and to watch Emily and the team bring such dedication and heart to everything they do.


My role focuses on strategic guidance and support, helping shape the direction of OpenDorz and ensuring we keep our mission strong.


At OpenDorz, everything we do has the community at its heart. ❤️