We are delighted to announce that Katumba’s Founding Managing Director Juliana Pinheiro Landim, Head of Marketing and Education Leigh-Angel Bevan and Operations & Financial Manager Tamasin Dunand have been nominated for the Merseyside Women of the Year Award 2023.

As a tiny organisation who punch way above our weight, nominations such as these go a long way to bring much needed support.

Please take a moment to check out our entry and Vote For Us here!

Juliana, who founded Katumba with Ritchie Tunstall in 2015, released this statement about the award – 

It’s always touching whenever we’re recognized for the positive work we do, but even more special to have the female leadership of the organisation acknowledged in this way.

Even though there’s much improvement in the matter in society, there still so many inequalities women all over the world still face-all to say, awards such as these are so needed.

We are thrilled to have been nominated and me, Leigh and Tamasin will be representing Katumba (trading name for BrazUKa International), as the Founding Managing Director, Head of Marketing and Education and Operations & Financial Manager respectively.

These are only titles that fall short of fully encompassing the incredible talent, dedication, allyship, and fierceness these women bring to Katumba/BrazUKa:

Leigh has been an integral part of what makes the Katumba heart beat for the past 5+ years: initially as a drummer, she quickly grew to occupy other key areas such as leading, teaching, social media, members relations, devising a digital platform for our merch shop, being part of some key strategic decisions helping shape the organisation, and so much more that words wouldn’t do her justice. We surely wouldn’t be where we are now without her.

Tamasin joined us not long ago but her impact has been undeniable, taking over so much of what I used to do, and more! Her skillset outside of the artistic world has been a great asset -not to mention her amazing personality!- and we know Katumba is going to reach new heights with her support.

A special thanks goes to our Alessia as well: as our newest-and youngest team mate, Alessia has brought fresh eyes and insight, and fitted right in quickly becoming a HUGE help on the admin front-and she will be there sharing the table-and enjoying the awards ceremony perks- with the rest of us!

Please spread the word and vote for us.

Juliana x x x

Vote For Us here!