Emmy arrived in the UK in 1999 from the Netherlands. In 2001 she started working for a local authority in various roles supporting asylum seekers and refugees. During this period, she obtained an Advanced Certificate in counselling and a BA Hons in Social Work; she has been a registered Social Worker since.

As a volunteer and secretary for Newport & District Refugee Support Group, Emmy helped to host Asylum Justice surgeries during drop-in sessions. She subsequently became involved as a volunteer and then a trustee for Asylum Justice in 2007.

Emmy has contributed to and delivered training about honour-based violence, asylum seekers and refugees and no recourse to public funds, and is currently Migration Partnership Officer for Newport City Council. She is the trustee with responsibility for safeguarding.