Our Team
James Edmunds
Founder and Executive Director
James Edmunds is a highly dedicated entrepreneur, designer, and mentor behind our campaign to upskill young adults in business and design. With a degree in Product Design BSc he has a keen eye for new designs and technology.
James has worked with various councils and communities in the last three years since the C.I.C was founded. With his work, he has been able to help other start-ups and small businesses aspire to their visions and improve on their business models. His previous depth of understanding in business and branding has been invaluable to the new start-ups and businesses he has worked with.
Michelle Anderson
Admin Assistant
With over 15 years as an administrative assistant, Michelle has a proven track record of supporting the smooth running of businesses by performing administration tasks to high standards. Michelle has a passion to work in a rewarding role that helps give back to the community. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and running with her dog Waffle.
Daniell Hambrook
Newham Lead
Over the past 27 years, Daniell has supported many grassroots organisations being recognised for her work by being awarded ‘Inspiring People’s Award’ in 2012. Daniell has a degree in BSC Clinical and Community Psychology and founded Newham Wellness in 2020, as a COVID 19 recovery service.
In October 2022, Newham Wellness became part of The Design Cabin Community C.I.C to allow the project to grow. As Newham Lead, Daniell now supports with the delivery of a Wellness Garden in Beckton, Self-defence classes and hopes to launch a wellbeing through art project in the future.
Debbie Brown
Project Lead - Newham
Debbie comes to the team with a wealth of lived experience, in multi-trauma, encompassing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Trauma Filled Lifestyles.
Debbie has a huge empathy for all those experiencing hardship in their lives, regardless of status, but is refreshingly honest in her approach.
Debbie founded and continues to facilitate a local community voluntary group in 2018, helping all those finding themselves in need, Amy's Space (named after Debbie's late daughter) has been and continues to be a much needed life line in the lives of those with nowhere left to turn.
Debbie also brings extensive experience and knowledge around fundraising and community building and possesses comprehensive team leadership skills.
Amanda Foister
Board of Advisor
Over the last 15-years, Amanda has led several charities, transforming them from poverty into robust, modern entities that are able to make the most of their resources, have exemplary governance and deliver exceptional service levels. Amanda has achieved this success by using skills developed as a successful entrepreneur, she has set up and run several businesses in diverse sectors from manufacturing to consultancy. She started her career in advertising and her first business was an advertising agency that focused on the financial sector, this not only gave her an excellent grounding in business but secured her lifelong connections that have been a huge help in her current career. A parent to two daughters and now one granddaughter, Amanda is a trustee of several charities, a school governor and parish councillor.
Amanda was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to young people.
Rachel Dingle
Board of Advisor
Rachel is a freelance theatre practitioner. Having graduated in 2011 from Mountview academy of Theatre Arts, she has a wealth of experience in all scales of theatre. She has worked as a designer, in stage management an in wardrobe in theatres such as The National Theatre, The Criterion Theatre and The Liverpool Empire. She started her own production company Show Up Productions in 2019 creating shows in her home town in Southend. During the pandemic when all her theatre work was cancelled she set up Show Up! Southend which is a platform that promotes creatives and events in and around Southend via a newsletter, social media and in person events.
Phoenix Debola
Board of Advisor
Newham resident and accountant with extensive UK tax, finance and banking professional experience, not forgetting a postgraduate degree in IT and degrees in Education, Computing plus a diploma in Mathematics. Passionate about community involvement, governance, wealth creation at the grassroots level, education, youth development and social well-being. Has two teens in local schools. Eats rice daily and spends too much time on social media. Planning to start a master’s degree in financial law.
Become part of our Board!
Passionate about design, creativity, youth and community impact?
We're looking for forward-thinkers to help guide our mission. Use the above form to apply now!