Who are We

Marc Grant – BEng Hons

Very fortunate to have a 20 year career at an established blue chip company, I have an excellent technical grounding in the aerospace industry, involving engineering, procurement and programme management and a breath of experience within Rolls-Royce business.

I`ve always had a passion for people and have volunteered in a number of activities which involved running of football team for 6 years with the aim of developing of kids to move on to the academy level, managing a Soup Kitchen for the 8 years supporting the needy and the vulnerable.

Held a number roles in support of the Education as a Parent Governor at Ashcroft Primary School and had a very active role in Mentoring Project supported by Rolls-Royce plc & Open Doors Forum.

My passion for community activity/involvement lead me to become join the Open Doors Forum Community Group in 2011 were again I`ve taken part and lead on some exciting projects.

I became the Chairman in 2013 were my clear vision is to have Open to continue to fulfil its mission statement and become self-sufficient Community Organisation.

I am married and have 2 children and have great passion for watching Arsenal FC and reading..

6X4A2960 — Bev Stewart – Project co-coordinator and manager

Bev Stewart

Worked previously in Operation for an airline British Midland as a trainer, Researcher & Business Analyst travelled extensively looking at airline systems, after redundancy in 2002 subsequent to 23 years of service she set up her own business ‘Lighthouse Children of Excellence’ (LCE) an afterschool club, due to just having a baby in 2002 was limited. However, became Co- founder of ‘Open Doors Forum’ (ODF) in 2003 a not for profit voluntary organisation which later becoming registered charity in 2006.

Continuing her love for community work obtained two degrees in Regeneration & Community Development Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) Applied Social Care, Health & Community Studies. Hence has a background in Childcare, Sunday School Coordinator, Proprietor of an After School Club, Youth Worker, and Community Mentor to 11-16 years olds, School Governor.

I’ve also held various voluntary positions; was PTA member (Parent Teacher Association) and sit on numerous boards and groups being vice-Chair of Derby BME Network, co-founder of African Caribbean Partnership, Neighbourhood Watch & Community co-ordinator and also Parent School Governor – having the firm belief of groups coming together in unity. In November 2012 was awarded ‘Community Champion 2012’ by Derby Black History Group (DBHG).

With an eye for business Bev along with her husband John also undertake property development. Bev not only has professional experience, but personal experience of the issues that young people face today. Being put down at school by her teachers with low expectation, later to find out that she was dyslexic, went on to graduate with a BA (Hons) at University of Derby. Despite this was on a full-time degree course, self-employed and the running of a charity, persevered and raised a young family notwithstanding her extensive work in the community.

Dr Didier Matamba – BSc ND MBA PhD

A nuclear physicist and biotechnologist who worked for two decades as anindependent consultant across industries: telecoms, retail, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, defence and education – to name but a few – where he supported workers from factory to c-suite levels. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he developed a sense and passion fore quality and social justice from a very young age. He is actively involved in numerous Non-Government Organisations working in the areas of Social Justice, Education, Health and Entrepreneurship in many Sub-Saharan African Countries.

School Governor, Derby City Council Schools’ Admission Appeal Panellist, Member of the Derby & amp; Derbyshire ESB (Employment & amp; Skills Board) and many other voluntary engagements, Didier’s desire is to see groups of people standing up for their rights and addressing man-made inequalities. Having braved social difficulties, he completed his Master’s in Business Administration and a Doctoral degree in Development Policy and Management with the support from an anonymous benefactor and a studentship

Didier is a well-known active member of the Congolese community in Derby. He is also at the forefront of various social integration and economic betterment campaigns. He is a pleasant, inspirational and motivational character in academic and professional circles.

Dave Cooper