We’re delighted to welcome Julie Sangani to the Learning Disability Wales team. We asked Julie to tell us about herself and her new role as Business Development Manager.
As the Business Development Manager at Learning Disability Wales, I am committed to amplifying the voices of people with learning disabilities throughout Wales. My responsibilities include researching, developing, and securing new funding to support the organisation and its projects. I advocate for equality, create inclusive policies and partnerships, and drive community-driven initiatives.
Through collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders, and organisations, I work to improve opportunities for people with learning disabilities, ensuring they can live, learn, love and work in a supportive environment. My goal is to make Wales the best place for people with learning disabilities to live, learn, love and work.
I am a passionate and self-motivated professional dedicated to empowering young people, particularly from underrepresented communities, to develop leadership and management skills.
I currently serve as a Cabinet Member at Cardiff City Council, with a portfolio covering Public Health, Equality, Diversity, and Asylum Seekers, while also representing the Heath and Birchgrove area as a local councillor. Additionally, I have been appointed as an Independent member of the Arts Council of Wales by the Welsh Government.
My commitment extends to advocating for people with learning disabilities, aspiring to make Wales a global leader in offering opportunities for them to live, learn, and work. As the founder of the Indian Women Association of Wales, I support women facing cultural barriers and provide platforms for raising awareness on issues such as domestic violence.
Through my various roles, including partnerships with organisations like Prince’s Trust, I strive to bridge gaps and amplify the voices of marginalised groups across Wales.
I am a traditional Welsh-Indian woman who plays the role of a loving wife and mother to two young children. I want to stay engaged with the world and believe that I have a place in it, with ideas to offer. My focus is on women’s self-development and the pursuit of happiness through managing work, family, and engagement with the community. Both of my kids play for the county cricket club, and my husband is a great mentor for them.
I love socialising and visiting different places. I also enjoy singing, although my friends never allow me to sing any Bollywood songs because I can’t remember the lyrics, which leads to different tunes and lyrics!