Josephine O'Driscoll

CEO of Gate Herts

  • josie@gateherts.org.uk
  • 01707 247 088

Josie is a Traveller from Ireland who came to the UK in the seventies and settled in Hertfordshire in the nineties.

She has dedicated her career to advocating for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people, combating discrimination, and promoting community ownership. Josie has taken on leadership roles in various governmental advisory and equality boards, and she founded and chaired GATE Herts, a not-for-profit charity led by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. In her current role as Chief Officer, Josie continues to push for eliminating discrimination and disadvantage.

Josie’s passion for community ownership is rooted in the belief that communities thrive when they take ownership of their own issues. She believes that individuals with experiential knowledge bring valuable perspectives to the table and advocates for the involvement of “Experts by Experience” in developing solutions. Her work with youth groups and partnership projects further demonstrates her commitment to empowering and uplifting the Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers.

Joe's updated photo

Joe McInerney

Report Racism

  • hatecrime@gateherts.org.uk
  • 01707 247 086

Joe is an English Traveller. He joined the Team in 2021 as Communications Officer, and later became a Hate Crime Case Worker, working on the Report Racism GRT Project. 

Joe is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, creating a more just and equitable society by addressing systemic inequalities.

Despite recognising that there is still much work to be done, he remains optimistic about the possibility of future change.

Star Smith

Mentee

  • mentee@gateherts.org.uk
  • 01707247085

Star is currently on a mentorship with us, she is learning valuable skills alongside her part-time course at a local college. Star is a Romany Gypsy born in Hertfordshire, where she has lived all her life in a trailer on her family’s site. 

She is passionate about social justice. 

 
Orla Photo

Orla Dellow

Community Advocate

  • advocate@gateherts.org.uk
  • 07597766990 / 01707247084

Orla attended University College Dublin, Ireland and her background is in Community Development and Housing Management. She has worked in Homeless Services and for the YWCA.

Her passion is Social Justice and helping people marginalised by society. 

Cherish

Cherish Baker

Community Support Worker

  • support@gateherts.org.uk
  • 01707 247 088

Cherish is a dedicated support worker with a rich cultural background of mixed English and Irish Traveller heritage. Currently, she contributes her skills and passion to GATE Herts as a support worker.

 With a solid background in health and social care, She is committed to positively impacting the well-being of those she serves. 

zahra

Zahra Kazmi

Finance & Admin Officer

  • finance@gateherts.org.uk
  • 01707 247 088

Zahra joined our team in 2018 to assist us with financial matters and has become an exceptional asset to our organisation. Her proficiency in administration and finance has allowed her to manage our finances with precision and care, and her commitment to her role is apparent. We are fortunate to have her expertise on our team.