The Founder
Kevin Osei BEM
Founder & CEO, Bridging Barriers
Born in East London, operating nationally. What began as one person’s experience navigating barriers to opportunity has grown into a mission supporting young people across the UK.
Mentoring
isn’t optional support
It’s
infrastructure
Growing up in East London
Kevin Osei grew up in East London in a low-income household without consistent positive male role models. In his local community, he saw first-hand what can happen when young people lack guidance, structure and access to opportunity. Many of his peers entered the criminal justice system, while others tragically lost their lives to violence.
Building resilience
Despite financial challenges - including being on free school meals and in the highest bursary bracket - Kevin’s mother instilled in him a long-term mindset rooted in discipline, ambition and resilience.
A new perspective
At 17, Kevin secured a work experience placement at EY in Canary Wharf. From his estate, the glass towers of Canary Wharf were visible - yet they felt socially and professionally distant. When he shared a short video from his placement, friends messaged him saying he had “made it”.
That moment highlighted the perception gap between proximity and access.
Facing barriers
At university, Kevin faced repeated rejections during internship applications. Like many first-generation students, he did not lack ambition - he lacked insight into recruitment timelines, networking strategies and professional positioning.
The power of mentorship
Everything changed when he met a mentor. With guidance, his CV strengthened, his interview confidence grew and his understanding of the professional world deepened. Mentorship transformed what once felt unattainable into tangible opportunity.
A growing problem
During the pandemic, Kevin observed talented peers graduating without employment - not because of a lack of ability, but because they lacked access to networks and early guidance.
The opportunity gap was widening.
He came to believe that mentorship is not optional support - it is infrastructure.
Building a solution
In October 2020, Kevin founded Bridging Barriers to provide structured mentoring, employer access and professional networks to young people from underrepresented backgrounds. What began as a response to lived experience has grown into a national charity supporting thousands of young people across the UK.
From East London to Nationwide impact
From a single idea to a growing movement, Bridging Barriers continues to expand access to mentoring, networks and career opportunities for the next generation.
Supported over 2,000 young people since 2020
Built partnerships with leading organisations across finance, law, media and technology
Delivered structured mentoring and employer insight programmes nationwide
Developed Career Compass, a digital platform designed to scale access to opportunity
Established trustee-led governance and compliance structures to ensure sustainability
Featured in
A recognised voice in social mobility and youth development
Simon Kenyon
Senior Advisor at BCG
“If you’re looking for young talent, you need to meet Kevin Osei and Bridging Barriers. Kevin’s aim is to break down obstacles to professional advancement for disadvantaged groups through mentoring, networking and education. Make sure you meet Kevin. A young man doing something special.”
Nicole Alexander
Early Talent Advisor at Kingsley Napley
We were incredibly grateful for the support we received from Kevin at Bridging Barriers while organising our Kingsley Napley X Bridging Barrier event for Black men in Law. From the very beginning, he brought an energy and charisma that set a positive tone for the entire planning process. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in bringing this event to life.
Shannon Hall
Lead Meditation Teacher at Elevate EQ
“Kevin is one of those rare people who lights up every room he walks into. What sets Kevin apart is his commitment to opening doors for people who deserve them. Through his work with Bridging Barriers, he creates opportunities for individuals who are too often overlooked, and he does it with a growth mindset and heart.
Any organisation would be lucky to partner with him. Grateful to have had him in my corner!”
Awards & Recognitions
Kevin’s leadership and impact have been recognised nationally and internationally.
2025
Rising Ladder Platinum Award Winner
2025
Global Top 40 under 40 Most Influential People of African Decsent
2025
Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Years Honour List
2024
Outstanding Impact Award
2024
Top 100 Changemaker
2023
Black Excellence Alumni Award
2022
Recognised as an Unsung Hero in TurningPoint Magazine, showcased at the Oscars
2021
Social Mobility Award
Kevin Osei BEM is:
Founder & CEO
Bridging Barriers
Business & Career Mentor
Board Member
Keynote Speaker
Working with employers
Kevin partners with organisations to design high-impact employee volunteering initiatives that connect corporate professionals with emerging early careers talent.
Looking ahead
Kevin’s long-term vision is to establish Bridging Barriers as the leading UK charity supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to become work-ready and career confident. The organisation continues to focus on scale, sustainability and measurable impact.