A person stands by a harbor with colorful boats floating on the water behind them.

Sandra Amolo

Sandra was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Her experience as a multilingual, Black, immigrant woman has shaped much of her life, and the work that comes with it.  She has spent over10 years working in nonprofits, serving in communications, farming, youth advocacy and education, human rights observation, community organizing, and nonprofit management. Her experience as a consultant and capacity builder centers partnerships with immigrant, refugee, and Black communities toco-create organizational systems that promote self and collective liberation.She loves working with non profit organizations to reimagine their strategy, leadership, finances, and organizational culture in ways that build practices of pause, reflection, and accountability. She work with her organizational partners using coaching, co-created tools, facilitation and thought partnership. She has a degree in Business Marketing from Seattle University and a coaching certification from Blooming Willow Healing Centered Coaching.

Staff

A person wearing a straw hat looks off to the side outdoors, with greenery in the background.

Silvio Dos Reis

Artistic Director

Mestre Silvinho, a Capoeira Angola master from Belo Horizonte, has taught in Seattle since 2004. He leads classes, camps, and conferences, using Capoeira for education, healing, and empowerment.

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Leika Suzumura

Program Director

Leika Suzumura is a community nutrition educator in South Seattle. Rooted in cultural tradition, she uplifts health through food, shared meals, and community-based nutrition education.

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Teaching Artist

Manimou Camara, a master drummer and dancer from Guinea, is founder of Seattle’s Dounia Djembe. Trained with top artists, he shares Guinean music and dance through global workshops and performances.

Manimou Camara

Teaching Artist

Manimou Camara, a master drummer and dancer from Guinea, is founder of Seattle’s Dounia Djembe. Trained with top artists, he shares Guinean music and dance through global workshops and performances.

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Mestre Silvinho has practiced Capoeira Angola for over 30 years. Based in Seattle, he leads ICAF Seattle and supports study groups across the Pacific Northwest, sharing capoeira’s rich legacy and philosophy.

Mestre Silvinho

Teaching Artist

Mestre Silvinho has practiced Capoeira Angola for over 30 years. Based in Seattle, he leads ICAF Seattle and supports study groups across the Pacific Northwest, sharing capoeira’s rich legacy and philosophy.

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Deise Costa, 2022 USA Samba Queen and winner of Adriana Lima’s 2023 contest, is a Brazilian dancer and teacher in Seattle. She uses Brazilian dance to inspire healing, empowerment, and self-discovery.

Deise Costa

Teaching Artist

Deise Costa, 2022 USA Samba Queen and winner of Adriana Lima’s 2023 contest, is a Brazilian dancer and teacher in Seattle. She uses Brazilian dance to inspire healing, empowerment, and self-discovery.

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Darren Lam has trained in Wing Chun (Wong Shun Leung lineage) for 6+ years and now teaches in Washington. He aims to build a strong Wing Chun community in Seattle.

Darren Lam

Teaching Artist

Darren Lam has trained in Wing Chun (Wong Shun Leung lineage) for 6+ years and now teaches in Washington. He aims to build a strong Wing Chun community in Seattle.

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Board Members

Jabali Stewart

Board Member

Dr. Jabali Stewart is an inclusion specialist and Circle Keeper, using Peacemaking Circles to foster cultural change in schools, communities, and institutions through love-based leadership.

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Deepa Iyer

Board Member

Deepa, co-founder of Ayeko Farm, has 20+ years in food systems education. She grows culturally rooted crops to help BIPOC communities reconnect with land, culture, ancestors, and home.

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A person plays a small string instrument indoors while others play music in the background.

Iris Viveros

Board Member

Dr. Iris C. Viveros Avendaño is a Mexican scholar focused on feminist, decolonial studies of violence and power. She explores fandango and music as practices of resistance, healing, and knowledge-sharing.

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A person stands by a harbor with colorful boats floating on the water behind them.

Sandra Amolo

Board Member

Sandra, born in Nairobi, is a multilingual Black immigrant with 10+ years in nonprofits. She helps organizations reimagine strategy, culture, and leadership through coaching, facilitation, and partnership.

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