Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Kellermann.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t start Venezuela Marka with a clear plan or the intention of building an organization. It really came from a very personal place in my life.
As a Venezuelan immigrant and a mother, I started noticing something that stayed with me. A lot of children in our community were growing up without a strong connection to their culture. Their parents were doing everything they could to provide and build stability, but in that process something important was getting lost. Identity, belonging, that sense of where you come from.
At the same time, I was going through my own journey, balancing a demanding career, raising my daughter, and trying to hold on to the traditions that shaped me. I kept asking myself how I could make sure she did not lose that part of who she is.
What began as something small and almost informal slowly started to grow. I realized this was not just about dance. It was about creating a space where kids could feel grounded, where they could express themselves, and where they could feel proud of who they are.
As the vision started to take shape, I was joined by Katherine Durand, our Artistic Director, whose background and passion for dance helped bring this idea to life. Together, we were able to transform
what started as a small initiative into a structured program rooted in culture, discipline, and artistic excellence.
That is how Venezuela Marka Foundation was born in 2022 in Jacksonville.
Since then, it has evolved into something much bigger than I imagined. We have built a program that goes beyond classes. It is a full formation. Through flamenco, Venezuelan traditions like joropo and waltz, and African-rooted rhythms expressed through percussion, our students experience how different cultures connect and influence one another. Alongside ballet and contemporary, this approach helps them develop not only as dancers, but as confident individuals with a strong sense of identity and belonging.
They have had opportunities to perform in incredible places, from local stages in Jacksonville to the Organization of American States in Washington, DC, and even the Jacksonville Jaguars halftime show. Moments that I could have never imagined at the beginning.
But for me, the most meaningful part is not the stage. It is the transformation. Seeing how these kids carry themselves, how they grow, and how they begin to understand their identity and their value.
Today, Venezuela Marka is more than a foundation. It is a community, a support system, and a space where culture becomes a way to heal, connect, and grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
Building something like this comes with a lot of invisible challenges. One of the biggest has been resources. As a nonprofit, we operate with very limited funding, and in many cases we are subsidizing opportunities for the students because we believe they deserve access, regardless of their circumstances.
At the same time, I am balancing multiple roles. I have a full professional career, I am a mother, and I am leading this foundation. There are moments where the weight of all of that is real.
Another challenge has been working within a community where every family is navigating their own reality. Many of our students come from immigrant households where parents are working long hours, and there are emotional and economic pressures at home. That sometimes shows up in the classroom, and it requires patience, empathy, and structure.
There have also been moments where you question if you can keep going, especially when you are giving so much of your time and energy without immediate financial return. But for me, this has never been about that.
What keeps me going is the impact. When you see a child gain confidence, find their voice, or feel proud of who they are, it reminds you why you started.
So no, it has not been easy. But it has been meaningful, and that is what makes it worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Venezuela Marka Foundation, we are known for the level of discipline, consistency, and quality we bring into our work. Together with our Artistic Director, Katherine Durand, we have built a program that holds students to a high standard, and that shows in how they perform, how they present themselves, and how they grow over time.
We have created an environment where students are not only learning technique, but also gaining real performance experience early on. They understand what it means to prepare, to commit, and to represent something bigger than themselves. Katherine’s artistic direction and training play a key role in shaping that level of excellence.
One of the things that sets us apart is how intentional we are about creating opportunities. Our students are consistently exposed to stages and environments that challenge them, from community and institutional performances to large-scale cultural events and national platforms like the Hispanic Heritage and Columbus Day Parades in New York City. That level of exposure at a young age is not common.
We are also known for the results we achieve in a relatively short amount of time. Our students have been able to compete and earn recognition at regional and national levels, which speaks to the strength of the training and the commitment behind the program.
What I am most proud of is the standard we have built and the consistency we have maintained as a team. Seeing our students walk into any space with confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of who they are is what truly defines our work.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Northeast Florida, especially Jacksonville and St. Augustine, is the sense of opportunity and openness. These are communities that continue to grow and evolve, which creates space for initiatives like ours to exist and make an impact. I have seen how people come together to support cultural efforts and create meaningful experiences, and that has been very powerful.
I also appreciate the diversity that is expanding across both areas. It creates opportunities to share culture, educate, and build connections across different backgrounds, which is at the heart of what we do.
If I had to point to a challenge, I would say there is still room for growth when it comes to access and visibility for cultural programs, especially those that represent international communities. Sometimes the awareness is not there yet, and that can make it harder to reach the families who would benefit the most.
At the same time, I see that as an opportunity. It pushes us to continue building bridges, creating visibility, and contributing to a more inclusive and culturally connected community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.venezuelamarka.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venezuelamarka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/venezuelamarka
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venezuelamarka/
- Twitter: https://x.com/venezuelamarka
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@venezuelamarkafoundation
