Deepa has over 20 years of experience in farming and food systems education as well as extensive experience and skill in creating and facilitating food security and food justice activities in direct partnership with the communities she serves. She holds a Masters from the Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Community Sustainability department. She and her partner Victor founded Ayeko Farm in 2018 with a mission to create space for BIPOC community to reconnect to the land and our cultures through food and farming. At Ayeko Farm in addition to hosting events Deepa and Victor grow culturally relevant produce that diverse communities in South King County are seeking, and they feel they have done well when people remember the Earth, their ancestors and their homeland when tasting the food.
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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 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, 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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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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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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