Meet Our Management Team
A dynamic force committed to community development through social value and heritage craft skills
Dee's musical journey began over three and a half decades ago, gracing music videos, TV shows, and international stages with the likes of Stereo MC’s, P Diddy, and The Beautiful South. Her dynamic presence on shows like CD:UK, TOTP, and This Morning marked the start of a stellar career.
In 1999, Dee founded Citizen K: Sound of Gospel, an urban gospel group. Their ascent from obscurity to sharing stages with The Spice Girls 1999 tour, Mel C on the Music of the Millennium and Paul Weller speaks volumes about Dee's creative prowess. Red Onion Dance & Yoga Studios, established in 2003, stood as a beacon of dance, well-being, and performing arts.
Dee's expertise extends to project design and management, evident in initiatives like the Waltham Forest Pathway programme and the Waltham Forest Dance Big Dance Festival. Her leadership as Vice Chair of Apex Arts (2005-2010) and a committee member of the Walthamstow Festival underscores her commitment to fostering the arts.
Over 20 years of teaching from developing the Performance Arts Pathway with Waltham Forest College, to teaching Pre-apprentices and Business Development with Waltham Forest Adult Learning and Essex Community Adult Learning, coupled with her role as a committee member at the Walthamstow Festival, highlights Dee's dedication to education and community enrichment.
Founded in 2003, Red Onion Dance & Yoga Studios has become a cultural hub in Waltham Forest. Dee's vision extends beyond performance, offering training, support, and performance opportunities for artists of all ages.
Dee envisions a Southend infused with heritage and culture. Through Urban Cure, she aims to create a sustainable third-sector organisation contributing over £1 million to support community initiatives.
Now a Director of Southend Creative Studio and Urban Cure CIC, Dee is poised to bring her magic to Southend City. Her focus is on developing and delivering provisions that celebrate and enrich the community's cultural fabric.
Dee Curtis, a catalyst for heritage craftmanship, a passionate educator, and a community advocate will continue to inspire.
Sharon is a dedicated professional with nearly 40years of experience in the charity sector, currently serving as the Head of Service at a charity for 18years, prioritising special educational needs and disability. In this leadership role, Sharon is responsible for developing and implementing policies, strategies, and procedures to ensure high-quality support for all children and young people with SEND across the organisation.
As a Head of Service, Sharon also faces various challenges, including ensuring staff have the necessary skills, securing adequate funding, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions for SEND children and young people.
Sharon's passion for empowering children is evident in her role. She encourages independence, self-confidence, and a sense of self-worth among the children and young people she supports. Her commitment extends to working in partnership with multiple organisations to ensure each child receives the right support; providing respite to families, creating safe, caring, and accessible settings for children to socialise and play.
In addition to her leadership role, Sharon serves as a governor at a special school, where she chairs the finance committee. This position enables her to oversee the financial health of Urban Cure CIC. Going beyond her current responsibilities, Sharon is extending her impact by collaborating with South Essex to benefit the SEND community.
June has worked across Community, Mental Health, Social Care, Primary Care and Acute Health Services along with Clinical Research, Safeguarding, Healthcare Information Technology, Organisational Development.
With over 30 years of public sector experience June has had significant success in delivering organisational restructuring/turnaround/re-build programmes and supported systems re-designs alongside a thorough in-depth knowledge of whole hospital services with specific emphasis on service integration, digital services and performance improvement.
She spent 12 years as a Councillor for a London Borough where she held Cabinet positions for prolonged periods. Having now taken an early retirement but remaining as a registered Social Worker June wants to put the remainder of her productive working time back into community empowerment and effective community space utilisation.
June has skilled in Performance Improvement, Patient Flow, Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Urgent and Emergency Care, Elective Care, Integrated Care Systems development, Health and Social Care Transformation, Programme Delivery. Strong professional graduated from The Open University
My role is a pivotal contribution to the sustainability and growth of the businesses. I have a multifaceted set of responsibilities vital for the functioning of the businesses involving strategic planning, resource management, process optimisation, and quality control to ensure that the businesses align with long-term goals and objectives.
Resource and cost management is another forte, along with compliance and risk management, quality control, to uphold high standards, monitor expenses, negotiate contracts, and identify solutions to maximise profitability across service delivery as well as leading and motivating teams ensuring excellent customer service whilst promoting a culture of accountability, training, and development to improve overall performance.
I have taken on the role of a Director at Urban Cure driven by my deep desire to give back to the town that nurtured me. My journey began when I founded the Southend Confelicity Party, a local political entity aimed at championing the causes and concerns of our community.
Upon meeting Dee, it became evident that our aspirations were closely aligned. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to join Urban Cure, I embraced it. Dee's passion and dedication convinced me that together, we can transform the lives of Southend's residents.
My commitment as a Director at Urban Cure is rooted in my mission to elevate its ventures to a level of excellence. By doing so, we aim to realise a vision of sustainability and prosperity that will not only benefit Urban Cure but also have a profound and positive impact on the entire community of Southend
Kevin have over 25 years of experience in the security installation industry, I am an engineer known for delivering high-quality solutions to high-profile clients while adhering to stringent health and safety and security measures guidelines.
Designing, implementing and overseeing installations to guarantee ideal functionality and client satisfaction.
His retrofit projects in buildings such as the Natural History Museum and Cambridge College etc, demonstrate is ability to identify and resolve issues, monitor and evaluate installation, ensures processes and performance efficiency by leading a team whilst implementing policies and procedures adherence to regulations to meet organisational financial goals.
Beyond my professional role, I am an avid sports enthusiast reflects my commitment to precision, discipline, and teamwork, values that influence my professional life.
Kevin’s role as supervisor with strong Instructional techniques ensure overseeing and supporting a team in their role whilst managing performance. This will ensure a first-class environment and enforcement of water sports rules and regulations.
I'm not just your average feline, I'm here to bring some serious pawsitivity to your day!
First things first, let's talk about stress. You know that feeling when you've got a gazillion things on your plate? Well, I'm here to whisk away that stress with my purr-fect company. Seriously, spending time with me is like a mini vacation for your brain!
But wait, there's more! I'm not just a pretty face I've got skills too! Hanging out with me can boost your creativity and help you think outside the litter box. Plus, I'm a pro at promoting teamwork and collaboration. Who knew a cat could be such a team player.
Oh, and did I mention the health benefits? It turns out cuddling with me can lower your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy. Talk about a win-win situation!
So, whether you need a mood boost, a brainstorm buddy, or just some good old-fashioned kitty cuddles, I'm your guy. I make Urban Cure a purr-fectly amazing place to be!
Paws and love,
Milo
Meet the Advisory Board
Dynamic Perspective to shape future direction
Running his own IT Business throughout England & Wales and overseas in Florida United States. It is without doubt the support will prove vital and successful growth in directive decisions for security and technology will become fruitful.
A family man with his wife, and 3 children he supports as a role figure, he enjoys in his free time gaming, building computers and technology devices, walks and trips to nature reserves.
Nadia has worked in the nonprofit and social enterprise sector for over 15 years, working for organisations such as Peace One Day, Cancer Research and currently the largest music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
Nadra was named one of the top one hundred creative leaders with a social heart in 2019 by The Dots, set up the world's first award winning not-for-profit member’s club in Soho, London. The House of St Barnabas supports those affected by homelessness back into sustainable employment; the disruptive model won a host of awards including Nesta’s New Radical. Nadra won the NatWest Social Enterprise Index Storytelling Award for outstanding purpose led communications.
She is currently the Director of Engagement and Communications at music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, she has most recently led the organisation through a complex brand reposition, increasing brand public trust by 20% since launch.
She is leading a major collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, to increase music therapy services across the region in response to the first creative health strategy - this revolutionary strategy looks at the gap between wellbeing and access to creative arts.
Nadra is passionate about community, culture and social equity. She brings her perspective as a mixed raced British Asian to her work and champions inclusion and belonging in all aspects of her work, this is the bedrock of her career
My journey has been powered by a commitment to using modern tech and contemporary approaches to streamline operations and enhance client satisfaction.
By prioritising client relationships and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, I strive to uphold the legacy of Smith Watson Accountants while driving the firm towards to new heights of success.
Through my dedication and forward-thinking approach as an Advisory Board Member, I bring a comprehensive understanding of financial management and track record of optimising fiscal operations.
My expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance will ensure the UCCIC's resources are managed effectively and transparently, supporting its mission to drive positive community change and bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to the forefront.
Throughout his career, Elijah has demonstrated proficiency in budget management, venue coordination, staffing, vendor relations, health and safety compliance, and logistics coordination. His comprehensive skill set support every aspect of event execution, including venue scouting, set design, decor coordination, and seating arrangements.
As a Safety Advisor within the Waltham Forest Council Arts and Events team demonstrates his dedication to public safety and event quality. As part of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), Elijah collaborated with representatives from local authorities, emergency services, and event organisers to ensure meticulous safety planning and coordination. His contributions enabled collaboration among agencies, improving safety protocols ensuring the success of events.
Elijah's event portfolio includes the management of influential events such as the Big Dance Festival, Chingford Day Festival, the Waltham Forest Carnival, and the Asian Mela. He has also curated diverse spearheaded the production and management of the largest cultural commercial comedy show for Black History Month, drawing over 1,200 attendees annually, along with organising celebrating Eid, Hanukkah, the Caribbean Carnival, and Black History Month.
He also played a pivotal role in programming events for council leaders and collaborating with mayors on civic occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day, and Flag-Raising Ceremonies.
Elijah Watson dedication to event brilliance and community engagement aligns seamlessly with Urban Cure's mission, and we are thrilled to welcome him aboard as a valuable asset to Urban Cure Advisory Board.
She has extensive experience of grant management and compliance in a variety of contexts, working with project participants, communities, stakeholders and donors
With her extensive experience in grant management and compliance, Kate's contribution to the Board will significantly impact Urban Cure. Her expertise in working with project participants and communities while ensuring grant compliance within budget, will ensure Urban Cure excels
Dedicated to ensuring the projects we undertake cater to the needs and aspirations of the upcoming future generation, commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship his driving force bring an advantage in understanding the priorities of younger generations.
Age 18, from Mariupol to Southend-on-Se at the onset of Ukraine's war Ivan has help to build his resilient spirit.
His academic journey demonstrate commitment to sustainable tourism as well as using his university Degree in Economics to advise the Directors. His role at Park Inn Radisson, allows him to develop skills in catering to the diverse needs of tourists' sector, from supervising staff to preparing visitor information and creating promotional material, which is equipping him to contribute to Urban Cure's objectives.
By combining his journey from Ukraine to the United Kingdom, now training in travel and tourism at South Essex College and heading to university for a degree in Economics Ivan will contribute greatly to Urban Cure's vision for South Essex.
Ivan states “As a Gen Z advisory board member, I bring a fresh perspective to Urban Cure, blending logical and analytical thinking in finance and social theory. I am pleased I am able to use my developing skills not only to learn about implementing this process in a community organisation but also give perspective on future trends for sustainability and heritage craft regeneration".
My mission is to inspire organisations and individuals to embrace sustainable living practices and implement them effectively. Currently, I run Kauri Green Business, a service dedicated to help small and medium enterprises to achieve sustainability through identifying quick wins and creating metrics to monitor progress.
My expertise will benefit Urban Cure by ensuring robust IT governance and promoting sustainable practices within the organisation.
I hold a degree in Applied Economics from Massey University, New Zealand, and am a GRI-certified Sustainability Consultant.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking in nature and playing jazz piano..
Roxanne is an accomplished, versatile leader with a track record of driving results in diverse roles She brings over 6 years of experience from the Tech industry, offering a diverse skill set spanning corporate strategy and operations, to partnerships and Go-To-Market strategy. Her strengths lie in operational execution and relationship management, qualities she is excited to apply at Urban Cure. Eager to contribute to her local community,
She also has skills in process improvement, project management, and scalability, achieving tangible outcomes along with three promotions, progressing from revenue-focused partnerships to a global operational role.
Roxanne draws energy from working with cross functional teams, thrive in high-pressure environments, and take pride in making an impact, and looking forward to making a positive impact with the Urban Cure Team
She is high-energy and is passionate about sports and well-being. On the weekends, you can find her walking her dog or (weather permitting!) swimming in the estuary.
Key areas of expertise include governance and operational efficiency at senior leadership and management levels, environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy and implementation of corporate strategy, operating strategy and restructuring.
