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An Honour to Welcome Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds, to the Yorkshire Ladies Links Conference


We are deeply honoured to welcome Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds and the first African to hold this distinguished office, as a special guest at the Yorkshire Ladies Links Conference, next February. Councillor Katung will take part in an esteemed panel discussion hosted by renowned broadcaster Christine Talbot.


As a trailblazing leader and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Councillor Katung will share her journey, revealing the profound personal and professional obstacles she has faced and triumphed over.



Her story embodies resilience and strength, underscoring the conference's commitment to championing all voices.


 

About Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung - Lord Mayor of Leeds

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung has become a symbol of determination, service, and leadership. She began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In 2000, driven by her late father’s vision for her continued educational development, she pursued her Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Leeds. Her father’s ethos of “education for service” continues to shape her path and commitment to public service.


Upon her arrival in the UK, Councillor Katung overcame the challenges of adapting to a new culture, climate, and community, but her resilience and determination made Leeds her second home. While raising her twin sons, she successfully established her own business and became an integral part of the Leeds community. In 2014, she faced unimaginable heartbreak when she tragically lost her son, Asher Marshall Katung, whom she laid to rest in Armley Mills Cemetery, a place that forever ties her to the city.


Councillor Katung’s distinguished political career began in 2019 when she was elected as a Leeds City Councillor, representing one of the most culturally diverse wards in the city, where over 82 languages are spoken. Re-elected for a second term in 2023, she has held significant leadership roles, including Scrutiny Board Chair, Lead Member for Faith and Belief, and Chair of the Hate Crime Strategic Board. She made history as the first African to be elected to the Leeds City Council and the first Black representative on the Cooperative Party National Executive Council, breaking barriers and paving the way for future leaders.


 

A Distinguished Leader Committed to Service

Councillor Katung’s influence extends far beyond her political career. As a passionate athlete and sprint coach, she brings the same energy to her personal pursuits as she does to her public service. She is a dedicated governor at Leeds City College and a trustee of both Age UK and Caring Together. Additionally, she co-chairs the David Oluwale Memorial Association, an organisation committed to commemorating and advocating for social justice.


Through personal challenges and the triumphs of public life, Councillor Katung has remained committed in her service to Leeds. Her deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion stands as a reflection of her life's work. Leeds, a city that embraces these values, is not just a place where she lives but where she belongs, her journey reflecting both her Nigerian heritage and her British identity.

Her participation in the Yorkshire Ladies Links Voices Conference is not only a privilege for the event but also a recognition of her invaluable contributions to public life.


Melanie Malcolm, Founder of Yorkshire Ladies Links, shares her heartfelt sentiments: “We are truly honoured to have Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung join us. She is a leader who has clearly overcome significant personal and professional challenges throughout her journey. Her work continues to inspire and empower communities far beyond the borders of Leeds. I am very much looking forward to hearing her story.”

 


Yorkshire Voices Panel

Afternoon session: 1.30pm to 2.15pm

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion, led by renowned journalist Christine Talbot, where the focus will be on resilience, advocacy, and the power of personal stories. Our esteemed panellists each bring their own unique experiences of overcoming adversity, fighting for causes close to their hearts, and shaping change in their communities.


Our panellists include:

  • Lindsey Burrow: Author of the memoir “Take Care” and passionate advocate for carers, Lindsey shares her experiences as a devoted caregiver for her husband, former rugby player Rob Burrow, during his ongoing battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

  • Lizzie Jones MBE: Known as the ‘Sporting Soprano,’ Lizzie has used her journey, marked by the tragic loss of her husband, to campaign for life-saving initiatives like heart screening and defibrillators in sports clubs across the country.

  • Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung: The first African Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail is a champion for diversity, inclusion, and community welfare. She works closely with local charities to tackle food poverty and health inequalities, making her an essential voice in this discussion.

  • Joan Lawrence: Mother of missing person Claudia Lawrence, Joan has spent years advocating for answers and justice in her daughter’s case. She continues to bring attention to the complexities of missing persons cases, helping keep Claudia’s story in the public eye.

  • Claire Throssell MBE: Claire is a passionate advocate for children affected by domestic abuse. Her work, inspired by the tragic loss of her two sons, focuses on influencing legislation to improve child safety and raise awareness of domestic violence issues.


Ticket Entry Information:

Admission to the Yorkshire Voices conference is free of charge, but all attendees must possess a valid general admission ticket to access and enjoy all areas. Due to limited seating capacity for the two speaker sessions, it is also essential to book your seats in advance for each session. Tickets for these sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that if you arrive without a ticket to a speaker session, you may be denied entry to that specific session until all ticket holders have settled into their seats. To ensure your participation and avoid disappointment, we encourage you to secure your tickets as early as possible.


  • Morning session: 11am to 11.30am

    BOOK YOUR TICKET TO AN AUDIENCE WITH LINDSEY BURROW HERE

  • Afternoon session: 1.30pm to 2.15pm

    BOOK YOUR TICKET TO ATTEND THE YORKSHIRE VOICES PANEL TALK HERE


For exhibitor information, please visit us here


Yorkshire Ladies Links is a trading division of Bespoke Networking Ltd | Company Registration No. 4928053

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