Selected Participants 2024 Columbia Women's Leadership Network

regina setton

 

 

Acácia Regina Setton

Survey and Land Title Manager Sergipe Sanitation Company - DES

As a Civil Engineer, Acácia oversees land regularization for basic sanitation projects at the Sergipe Sanitation Company. Additionally, she holds a master's degree in Architecture and Urbanism from PPGAU-UFAL. Currently, she is involved in research at NuPPes-UFAL focusing on human rights within architectural spaces designated for female incarceration.

 

 

 

 

 

amanda brollo

 

 

Amanda Cirillo Brollo

Police Agent
Federal Highway Police

With a degree in social communication and law, Amanda has been serving as a police officer for 10 years. Amanda perceives a deep connection between her professional and personal life, as she firmly believes in dedicating time and empathy to serving society. Relentlessly, she strives to promote a safe and just environment for all.

 

 

 

 

 

Ananda Rodrigues Miranda

 

 

Ananda Rodrigues Miranda

Communication Secretary Vitória City Council

Ananda has a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from the Federal University of Espírito Santo and she ventured as the creator and general director of candela. For nine years, she has been working directly with branding and institutional communication. Since 2014, she has been involved in campaigns focusing on political and electoral marketing. Certified in 2019 in the course "Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media" by Harvard University, she is currently the Secretary of Communication of the Municipal Chamber of Vitória.

 

 

 

 

 

Aquataluxe Figueira Queiroz Rodrigues

 

 

Aquataluxe Figueira Queiroz Rodrigues

CEO
Director Instituto Rainhas

Aquataluxe Rodrigues, she has a bachelor's degree in administration, is a council member of the Olodum Afro Bloc, the creator and producer of the Percussive School for Women - Yakurinxirê, and CEO of the Rainhas Institute. The projects she has conceived or participated in stem from a leadership spirit that materializes in a critical stance towards social injustices, motivating mobilization and engagement in social entrepreneurship. Her professional involvement in the cultural sphere includes the conception and coordination of the "#trocas de ideias" project, the Music and Arts Festival, and serving as a council member of the Olodum Afro Bloc. Delivering lectures to young people in public schools and other spaces are clear signs of her leadership and willingness to take action for the betterment of the community. 

 

 

 

 

 

Camilla Karla Brites Queiroz Martins de Oliveira

 

 

Camilla Karla Brites Queiroz Martins de Oliveira

Teacher Federal University of Paraná

With a background in Physics (B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D.) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, conducting experimental research in the field of physics, she has been a faculty member at the Federal University of Paraná since 2014. Between 2020-2021, she served as the coordinator of the undergraduate physics courses. She is a member of the Meninas e Mulheres nas Ciências UFPR Extension Project, working on gender issues and the inclusion of women in the sciences through research and outreach activities.

 

 

 

 

 

CAMILLE BENDAHAN BEMERGUY

 

 

Camille Bendahan Bemerguy

Executive Director at Instituto Dea Maiorana

Camille is from Amazonia and holds a PhD in Economics with extensive experience in social and environmental public policies. She has worked in the private sector, academia, private and public research institutes, and multilateral organizations in the areas of poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, and sustainable development. Currently living and working in the Amazon, she has spent the last 3 years as the Director of Climate Change, Environmental Services, and Bioeconomy in the government of the state of Pará, where she was responsible for coordinating and leading the State Bioeconomy Plan and the State Action Plan for the REDD+ jurisdictional system.

 

 

 

 

 

Carolina Emilia Isoldi Pohl

 

 

Carolina Emilia Isoldi Pohl

Owner
Partner Sow Sports

Carolina Pohl has a bachelor's degree in Communication from Mackenzie University and Sports from USP. She holds certification in Football Management and Intermediation from the CBF Academy, and she is the only Brazilian to participate in FIFA's 1st program for football agents. With over 20 years of experience in sports, she has been a player, coach, event producer, and has worked in mega-events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 Rio Olympics. She founded Sow Sports in 2017 and currently works exclusively for women's football.

 

 

 

 

 

Carolina Tendler

 

 

Carolina Tendler

Executive Coordinator
Rio de Janeiro City Hall

Carolina holds a master's degree in Marketing and Public Relations from the Free University of Brussels and completed an MBA in Management at FGV-Rio, as well as Strategic Management & Innovation at the Copenhagen Business School. For 11 years, she focused on International Relations in the office of Mayor Eduardo Paes, playing a key role in promoting the international resurgence of Rio de Janeiro. She led technical cooperation initiatives for public policy exchange and contributed to the development of a digital roadmap for the city. In the private sector, she worked at various organizations before assuming her current role as Executive Coordinator in the General Coordination of International Relations and Cooperation at the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro.

 

 

 

 

 

Célia Kochen Parnes

 

 

Célia Kochen Parnes

Founder
Bravo

Célia has dedicated her career to promoting the integrated concept of ESG, emphasizing corporate governance principles and compliance. She served as Secretary of Social Development for the State Government of São Paulo, overseeing a significant budget for Social Programs. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, she excels in fostering organizational culture and building strategic partnerships. Her extensive experience in marketing, market expansion, and networking spans both public and private sectors. With a degree in Business Administration from FEA-USP, São Paulo, and specialization courses abroad, Célia demonstrates strong leadership, advocacy skills, and financial acumen aimed at margin expansion and sustainability. She maintains excellent relationships with Boards of Directors and Trustees, ensuring effective communication and coordination.

 

 

 

Cristiane da Silva Fontes

 

 

Cristiane da Silva Fontes (Krika Fontes)

Executive Director
WRI Brasil

 

Krika is a journalist with experience at prominent media outlets and non-governmental organizations. After completing a master's degree in Interactive Media in London and being inspired by climate activism, she transitioned into program management and international cooperation, notably leading initiatives related to climate change. She has been involved in strategic communication for various organizations, including Global Canopy, where she curated significant events highlighting the importance of the Amazon and indigenous peoples. Krika co-led the "Planeta em Transe" project, conducting interviews on climate action, and coordinated a research project on perceptions of indigenous peoples in Brazil. In 2023, she became the executive director of WRI Brazil.

 

 

 

 

 

Dara Aparecida Leite de Souza

 

 

Dara Aparecida Leite de Souza

Director
EGA Distrito

Dara holds a degree in Political Science from UnB and serves as the Director of Government Relations at EGA Distrito. Her career includes roles at the British Embassy in Brazil, focusing on domestic politics, and at the Presidency of the Republic, where she was part of the parliamentary advisory team responsible for monitoring presidential priorities in the Chamber of Deputies. She studied global leadership and innovation at The George Washington University through the Brasília Sem Fronteiras program. With 8 years of experience in government relations, her expertise spans education, technology, infrastructure, and oil and gas sectors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diana Silva Costa

 

 

Diana Silva Costa

Leader and Executive Producer
Preta Portê Filmes e Produções Culturais

Diana has a bachelor's degree in Administration from CEFET/RJ. Her career has pivoted towards the audiovisual realm, with a focus on content bearing social and artistic impact. Throughout her journey, she has fulfilled roles such as assistant director, executive producer, content coordinator, and project leader in various productions including Greg News (HBO), Espelho Program with Lázaro Ramos, Afronta! (Preta Portê Filmes and Futura), Motriz - Roda de afeto (Futura), Racionais: Das Ruas de São Pro Mundo (Netflix), Diálogos com Ruth de Souza, among others. Currently, she holds the position of Leader and Executive Producer at Preta Portê Filmes.

 

 

 

 

Flávia Martins de Carvalho

 

Flávia Martins de Carvalho

Assistant Judge
Federal Supreme Court

 

Flávia is a judge in the São Paulo State Court of Justice (TJSP) and an auxiliary judge in the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy and General Theory of Law at USP, she holds master's and bachelor's degrees in Law from UFRJ and a bachelor's degree in Communication from UERJ. Actively involved in addressing racial issues within the Judiciary, she is a member of the Working Group established by the National Council of Justice (Order No. 108/2020) and a former deputy coordinator of the Forum of Research Groups in Constitutional Law and Legal Theory. She serves as an advisory council member for the Brazilian Institute of Child and Adolescent Law (IBDCRIA-ABMP). With 29 years of experience in the private sector, she held managerial and leadership positions, focusing on planning, management, and defining indicators. Additionally, she is an anti-racist children's and young adult author with numerous published books.

 

 

 

 

 

Geyce Fernanda Ferreira

 

 

Geyce Fernanda Ferreira

Commercial Logistics Manager
Bemol S/A

As a Supply Chain Management professional, she holds a degree in Administration, an MBA in Management and Business Strategy, and is also a specialist in Business Logistics. After 10 years working in major industries in the Manaus Free Trade Zone, she transitioned to the Retail sector. Currently, she serves as the Commercial Logistics Manager at the largest retail chain in the Northern region of the country. Beyond her professional role, she actively contributes to social impact initiatives in Manaus, participating in organizations such as Global Shapers Manaus, Rede de Lideres Fundação Lemann, Grupo Mulheres do Brasil, ABRH AM, and Fashion Revolution.

 

 

 

 

 

Grazi Mendes (Grazielle Mendes Rangel)

 

 

Grazi Mendes (Grazielle Mendes Rangel)

Head LATAM of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Thoughtworks

Grazi is considered one of the leading voices in Brazil on leadership, futures, and inclusion. She works as the LATAM Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Thoughtworks, a global technology consulting firm. She is a guest lecturer at Fundação Dom Cabral and a columnist at MIT Sloan Management Review. With a master's degree in design focusing on the inclusion of black women in technology, she actively participates in initiatives aimed at racial and gender equity in the workforce. Specializing in Neuroscience and Behavior and Digital Innovation, she co-founded the "Voa, Papagaio!" project, focused on the inclusion of youth from marginalized communities in universities. She is a TEDx speaker and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice.

 

 

 

 

 

Juliana Maia Victoriano da Silva

 

 

Juliana Maia Victoriano da Silva

Portfolio Manager of the Racial Equity program
Instituto Ibirapitanga

She holds a master's degree in Legal and Social Sciences and a bachelor's degree in Law, both from UFF, Brazil. Her career spans advocacy, project consulting, and social governance, with a focus on racial and gender justice activism. She transitioned from advocacy to project management in the non-profit sector, gaining extensive experience in organizational systems and international project coordination. Relocating to New York in 2019, she furthered her academic and professional pursuits, contributing to critical events and academic research. Returning to Brazil in 2023, she now manages the racial equity portfolio at Instituto Ibirapitanga. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with strong leadership skills and international expertise, making her a valuable addition to the Columbia Women’s Leadership Network 2024.

 

 

 

Julye Beserra

 

 

Julye Beserra

Project Manager
State Secretariat for Social Development

Julye holds a Master's degree in Gender Studies from Central European University (2021) and specializes in diversity and inclusion from Universidade São Judas Tadeu (2023) and in public policies and gender justice from the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (2018). She also holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Fundação João Pinheiro (2014). Currently, she works as a Project Manager at the Secretariat of Social Development of Minas Gerais, focusing on Women's Rights Policies, Planning and Management, and Health. Additionally, she conducts research on political participation and intersectionality as part of the group State, Gender, and Diversity at FJP.

 

 

 

 

 

Lorena Moraes dos Santos

 

 

Lorena Moraes dos Santos

Legal Consultant
IFC- World Bank Group

Lorena, a lawyer hailing from Bahia, holds a notable position as a Corporate Lawyer in the financial market, recognized by Forbes BLK. She is actively involved as a member of Black Sister in Law and serves on the compliance committee at the São Paulo Bar Association.

 

 

 

 

 

Maíra da Silva Souza

 

 

Maíra da Silva Souza

ECD Officer
UNICEF Brasil

As an Early Childhood Development Officer at UNICEF Brazil, she leads the national strategy for early childhood and anti-racism. She holds a Master's degree in International Cooperation and Development Policies from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. With a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from PUC-SP, she worked for 4 years at the Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal Foundation, culminating as portfolio leader for early childhood development initiatives in Ceará. She also worked in Child Protection at UNICEF Mozambique, and after this experience, published a book on the implementation of income transfer programs focused on early childhood.

 

 

 

 

 

Maíra Rufino Fischer

 

 

Maíra Rufino Fischer

Finance Secretary
Recife City Hall

Since 2021, she has been the Secretary of Finance for the Municipality of Recife. She has been a civil servant in the Government Managerial career since 2011. Since 2013, she has held leadership positions in the State and Municipal Governments, serving as Executive Secretary of Economic Development of Pernambuco from 2018 to 2020, where she coordinated the plan for reopening economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a previous role, she served as General Manager of Data Analysis for the Municipality of Recife.

 

 

 

 

Manuela Fantinato

 

 

Manuela Fantinato

Project Manager
FGV

With a background in History and a career in journalism, her professional journey is characterized by multidisciplinarity. She holds a Master's degree in Literature, a Ph.D. in Social History of Culture, and completed post-doctoral studies in Philosophy and Aesthetics, all from PUC-Rio. She was a visiting researcher at the National University of Rosario in Argentina and at Brown University in the USA. Simultaneously, she worked for years at FGV, where she served as communication coordinator and, more recently, as coordinator of projects related to culture and social responsibility. She also worked as an editor at TV Globo, where she was responsible for editing the 50-year book of JN (Jornal Nacional) and a series of documentaries about the company's history. In addition to editorial and audiovisual projects, she directed the documentary "Lugar de Mulher," focusing on the challenges faced by women in STEM fields.

 

 

 

Mariana de Paula Santos

 

 

Mariana de Paula Santos

Operations Director
LabJaca

Mariana has a bachelor's degree in Production Engineering from UNIRIO, with an MBA Jr. in Business Management from IEG, a specialization in Project Management from FGV, and is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence at UFRJ. Additionally, she serves as a council member on the Committee for Monitoring Institutional Policies for Racial Equity Promotion at the Public Defender's Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro. In 2020, during the pandemic, she founded LabJaca.

 

 

 

 

 

Mariana Fantelli Stelini Pereira

 

 

Mariana Fantelli Stelini Pereira

Legal Director
Procter & Gamble

Mother of Francisco and Ana Cecilia, she is a lawyer passionate about people management, with experience in structuring and leading legal departments in new businesses (Pátria investment) and large corporations (BRF, P&G). She has extensive experience in various areas such as contracts, corporate law, international law, litigation, and labor law, with a strong focus, in the last ten years, on environmental law. She recently assumed the position of Director responsible for the environmental and biodiversity legal area for Latin America at Procter & Gamble, including sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. With a strong academic background, she completed an LLM in international trade law from the University of Turin and another in corporate law from Insper.

 

 

 

 

 

Melissa Cristina Pinto Pires Mathias

 

 

Melissa Cristina Pinto Pires Mathias

Board Advisor
National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP)

 

Melissa has been engaged in the energy sector since her undergraduate studies, focusing on electricity in both her undergraduate and master's degrees in economics. After completing her master's, she joined ANP and Petrobras through competitive exams. She obtained her Ph.D. in Energy Planning and later returned to ANP, where she currently serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors. Her responsibilities include analyzing processes and providing input for decision-making on energy-related topics. She also participates in discussions at the National Energy Policy Council regarding draft resolutions. Currently, she is particularly focused on Energy Transition, Emissions Reduction, and Sustainability.

 

 

 

 

Michele Gonçalves dos Ramos

 

 

Michele Gonçalves dos Ramos

Director of Teaching and Research
Ministry of Justice and Public Security

With a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of São Paulo and a Master's degree in International Security from Sciences Po, Michele has spent the past decade working in civil society on various agendas related to public security, development, and defense of democracy. She has led mobilization, advocacy, and political engagement efforts. Since January 2023, she has been part of the team at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, focusing on training programs for public security professionals, promoting research applied to the improvement of public security policies, and contributing to the agenda on firearms and ammunition control.

 

 

 

 

 

Mirian Lúcia Bittencourt Guimarães

 

 

Mirian Lúcia Bittencourt Guimarães

General Coordinator of Management Information
Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI)

As the manager of the Personnel Observatory and a dedicated civil servant at MGI, Michele brings a wealth of expertise to her role. With a background in Statistics and Mathematics from UnB, complemented by a specialization in Personnel Management from ENAP, she possesses a strong academic foundation. Over her impressive 17-year career, Michele has excelled in evaluating policies, constructing indicators, and leveraging decision-making tools to drive organizational success. Her passion for People Analytics is evident in her leadership of the first federal project in this domain, supported by the prestigious Lemann Foundation. Beyond her professional endeavors, Michele actively contributes as a voluntary member of the Governance Brazil Network and the GT of Transparency in People Management at the People Ahead Movement, underscoring her commitment to advancing best practices in public service.

 

 

 

 

 

Renata Broglia Mendes

 

 

Renata Broglia Mendes

President Director and Founder
Instituto Mundo Aflora

Renata is a peace advocate focusing on gender, social justice, and mental health. With a Bachelor's in Business Administration from PUC-SP and a postgraduate degree in Social Innovation Management from the Amani Institute and UPEACE, she holds certifications in conflict mediation and consensus building. Currently pursuing a master's in Peace Studies at the University of Innsbruck, she transitioned from finance to become a mental health educator. Since 2003, she has coordinated a Yoga project in female detention centers, leading to the founding of the Mundo Aflora Institute in 2016, impacting over 8,000 young lives. She received recognition from the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program and the Visionaris Award from UBS Bank for Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Her organization, VOZES!, was honored with the Municipal Seal of Human Rights and Diversity in 2022 for its work with vulnerable young girls.

 

 

 

 

 

Sabrina de Oliveira Porcher

 

 

Sabrina de Oliveira Porcher

Expansion Leader
Instituto Dara

Sabrina has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from UFRGS and holds a postgraduate degree (MBE) in Social Responsibility and Third Sector from UFRJ, as well as Marketing from Université Pierre Mendes France, Grenoble. She began her professional journey in the private sector and about 12 years ago, underwent a career transition. Since then, she has been working to support the development and innovation of social impact initiatives in Brazil. Her main objective is to work towards social inclusion and poverty alleviation, striving for a less unequal country with more opportunities for the most vulnerable.

 

 

 

 

 

Teresa Cozetti Pontual Pereira

 

 

Teresa Cozetti Pontual Pereira

Executive Director
Instituto João e Maria Backheuser

Teresa is currently the Executive Director of the João e Maria Backheuser Institute. With over 10 years of experience in the public sector, she has held positions such as Deputy Secretary of Education in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Director of Curricula and Integral Education at the Ministry of Education's Basic Education Secretariat, Deputy Secretary of Education at SME Salvador, and Deputy Secretary of Network Management and Teaching at SEEDUC RJ. She has also served as Executive Manager at CEIPE FGV. She holds a master's degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University, a specialization in Business Management from COPPEAD/UFRJ, and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Swarthmore College.

 

 

 

 

 

Ticiane Midori Shiki

 

 

Ticiane Midori Shiki

Global Operations Director
Latin American Leadership Academy - LALA

Ticiane has a bachelor's degree in Economics from FEA-USP and holds a postgraduate degree in Business Management from ESPM. She was a intern at Abril Mídia, where she worked as a marketing manager and presidential advisor. At Vivo, she worked in strategic marketing and as a technology project consultant before transitioning to the Third Sector, where she served as Financial and Strategic Manager at CPM, General Manager of Project Gauss, and currently serves as Director of Global Operations at LALA. In her current role, she leads a team in Finance, Legal, HR, and Communications.