Marcus

Job title: CEO and Founder Quillombo Uk

Career History:

I am an Italian descendent, born in Brazilian/Sao Paulo, living in London for over 20 years, married and a father. Am proud of my academic path in the Creative Industries with an Undergraduate at Methodist University from Sao Paulo Brazil in Advertising; a post-grad diploma from Pan-American School of Arts in Creative Advertising and a Masters in the UK at Kingston University on Managing the Creative Industries. I also managed to find time to become a Capoeira Master (Brazilian Martial Art) and a Life Coach in Training. These last two gave me the opportunity to run a Capoeira school in the UK since 2006, proudly as The UK’s Most Awarded Capoeira School and the location where I met the co-founders of Quilombo UK. As my origins are very diverse and coming from a Country which is built from many cultures coming together, as well as being part of Capoeira, which origins also relate to exclusion and oppression, becoming a advocate for ED&I was a mater of simply following my heart and passion, especially when leading an Amazing Team as Quilombo's & QMC.

A bit about you as a professional:

Living over 20 years in the UK has given me important skills to succeed in my carer: to be organized and think ahead are two very important skills I gained from the British Culture. Leading a Martial Art School has given me the support to see everything (including in my professional life) from at least two perspectives.

Why Quilombo:

Born with it!

Hobbies:

Diving - DIY

Adrian

Job title: Business Manager
Contact email: adrian.r@quilombouk.com

I was born in England with Jamaican parents who emigrated to the UK just after the Windrush generation. I am married and a father. My educational background is in Social Sciences; History and Psychology. My career has spanned all levels of the product supply chain from vendor, through distribution to direct customer interaction. I started studying Capoeira over a decade ago, and enjoy learning about Afro-Brazilian culture as part of the art. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s Britain, with heritage from the African Diaspora, I was always aware of and party to injustice within our society and advocating for greater equity, diversity and inclusion, across all protected characteristics, is my way of addressing the imbalance.

A bit about you as a professional:

I have worked in many different sectors throughout my career. One consistent factor has been building relationships. I try to be, conscientious, diligent and resilient in my work and keep to my word.

Why Quilombo:

It gives me the opportunity to make positive change in the world

Hobbies:

Mountain Bike - Motorcycle - DIY

Paul

Job title: Regional Property Manager
Contact: paul.w@quilombouk.com

Born in the UK and being English, I have had strong links with Europe while growing up, and has always enjoyed being able to be part of and learn from other cultures he has been lucky enough to be part of.

Having seen the changes that the country has gone through in the 80s and 90s, and the changes it needs to go through, I’m keen to help support further change. As I intent to become an immigrant in Europe in the future, I hope that I can take some of my experiences and learning with me when I go.

A bit about you as a professional:

Working in the UK in Facilities Management, Paul works to deliver consistent outputs for people using the spaces, utilising his experience working in the public sector and mass transit to continue to innovate in corporate and commercial environments. Paul enjoys innovating within the work space and uses creative, non-conventional approaches to find engaging and long lasting solutions.

Why Quilombo:

With the challenges and changes coming to the UK, including Brexit, Covid and a more globalised reach of media, I’m keen to ensure that we work to counteract negative attitudes and one sided biases to help provide a better understanding and pride in the community.

Hobbies:

Travelling - Visiting Historic Sites - Fitness

Anna

Job title: Civil Servant
Contact: a.barker@quilombouk.com

Career History:

• Statistics and analysis
• Policy development
• Policy delivery
• Operational delivery

A bit about you as a professional:

Anna is a credible leader with over 22 years' experience in Civil Service across a wide range of roles covering analysis, policy and delivery with significant experience in stakeholder management, developing and implementing delivery systems, continuous improvement and translating policy into delivery.

Why Quilombo:

Anna is a passionate advocate of social cohesion and integration and believe that education is key to thinking differently. Quilombo is the place that draws all of these together and works to creatively challenge the negative stereotypes and biases that exist in our society.

Hobbies:

Anna has a young daughter who keeps her busy but has also been practicing Capoeira for over 16 years, so any free time she has you will find her training the many different aspects of the art.

Mireille

Job title: Account Executive
Contact: monalisa@qmc-capoeirauk.com

Career History:

I have worked in a variety of companies, industries and roles throughout the years ranging from operations to management and administration.I am originally from France but have lived in the UK for almost 20 years. My interest in foreign languages and cultures has always been an asset professionally.

A bit about you as a professional:

I am an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working on international platforms, across diverse industries and types of organisations. The diversity of roles held and developed in over the years demonstrates strong ability to problem solve and adapt to new environments.

Why Quilombo:

I am a part of Quilombo UK because through the ages society has progressed and evolved into a rich patchwork of cultures and communities, brought closer to each other by technology. However, in our politically correct society, this doesn’t yet mean all are known and valued in the same way. There is a clear need still to challenge the status quo and find creative ways to bring to light unconscious bias and challenge long lived stereotypes and prejudice.

Hobbies:

I have always loved travelling and discovering new places, and new people, different languages and cultures. This has lead me to Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art I have now been practicing for 12 years.

I was brought up in a community and environment that promoted sports and I have tried and practiced a variety of them , such as skiing and snowboarding, hiking, SUP, kite surfing all in the idea that one never stops learning.

Daniel

Job title: Senior Application Engineer
Contact: it@quilombouk.com

Career History:

Over 15 years experience in developing web sites and applications, across multiple industries such as Finance, Agency, Sport, Advertising and more

Why Quilombo:

Quilombo's focus on 'Community' & 'Togetherness'

Hobbies:

Aside from enjoying my day-job of software development, I have always enjoyed learning about various Martial Arts. I also try to get in some reading (whenever I find any spare time).

Alexa

Job title: Lecturer in Psychology / Trainee Counsellor
 

Career History:

Alexa has a decade of tech and infrastructure venture experience across Europe. Mostly focused on solar energy.

Why Quilombo:

“The emphasis on strengthening the local community is important to me. It’s a great team I enjoy spending time with.”

Hobbies:

Alexa enjoys painting, baking and walking by the river.