Our Team
RENATA KOCH ALVARENGA
Founder & Executive Director
Renata Koch Alvarenga is an award-winning Brazilian climate advocate recognized globally for her leadership in feminist climate action and resilience. At age 22, she founded EmpoderaClima, a pioneer youth-led organization promoting women’s empowerment and climate justice across Latin America. For a decade, she has championed gender-just climate solutions, with a strong focus on education and youth engagement in Brazil and the Global South.
In 2021, Renata became the first young Brazilian to speak at the opening of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), alongside the UN Secretary-General. That same year, she was nominated by Malala Yousafzai as a young leader to watch at COP26. She is a Generation17 Young Leader, an initiative by UNDP and Samsung highlighting changemakers advancing the SDGs worldwide. Renata has taken part in youth councils and leadership programs with UN Women, the World Economic Forum, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. She is on the Environmental Educators 30 Under 30 list, was featured on the cover of Forbes Under 30 Brazil in 2024 for Social Entrepreneurship, and received Estée Lauder’s inaugural Beautiful Forces award.
Renata holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University, and has worked at the UN Youth Office, the World Bank, and the UK Government on global climate and development policy.
Communications
ANNIA KLEIN
Communications Director
Annia Klein is from Porto Alegre, Brazil and graduated in International Relations from Unisinos, in Brazil. She is now a Political Science Master's Student in Germany. Since her Bachelor’s Degree, she has developed an interest in Gender Studies and during the years living in Germany, she started to deepen her knowledge in Climate Change Studies. She believes this is an extremely relevant matter to be working with, and joining both Gender and Climate Change subjects is what most interested her in joining EmpoderaClima. Gaining experience and committing to working as a Comms volunteer, to Annia, is a way of making a difference as a young woman from a developing country.
FERNANDA LAGOEIRO
Communications
Fernanda Lagoeiro is a journalist with a specialization in marketing. She has contributed to Folha de S.Paulo, Jornal O Globo, Projeto Draft, and other outlets, always reporting on gender issues, climate, and social impact. She is an ambassador for the Fora Network for Change, a former member of YOUNGO, and served as the communications representative for JDS Campinas. Sharing quality information and raising awareness is what drives this Aquarius woman, who loves to travel solo and dreams of checking off every country on her travel list while doing what she loves.
GIOVANNA GALVANI
Communications
A trained journalist from Cásper Líbero College, she has worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for outlets such as CartaCapital, CNN Brazil, and UOL, primarily covering national and international politics, daily life, and the environment. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Climate Change: Media, Public Policy, and Society at Dublin City University in Ireland, with a GOI-IES scholarship. Her interests include just transition in Latin America, agri-food systems, and communication and public engagement on climate issues.
RAYRA FORTUNATO
Communications
Rayra Fortunato is a Brazilian political scientist and digital strategist with expertise in political communication, climate justice, and youth engagement. She led communications at the European Youth Press, amplifying voices of over 60,000 young journalists, and coordinated media for the EU-funded Voices of the Next Generation. At the University of Coimbra, she supported educational access for Brazilian students through the ENEM program. Rayra is also the founder of WIKIRI, a platform for political education and digital activism in the Global South. With degrees in Political Science and International Relations, and professional experience across five countries, she is committed to building inclusive narratives that link global challenges to civic action.
CARLA BEATRIZ DOS SANTOS
Communications
Carla Beatriz is Brazilian, from the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, and an undergraduate student in International Relations at UFRJ. She is currently an intern in the Communications Department of the Brazilian Association of International Relations (ABRI). Since the beginning of her academic journey, she has focused on the territory where she was born—a historically neglected region affected by silting and the illegal contamination of the sea. For her, the study of the Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, and Gender is a liberating practice, based on the premise that "theory can be a place of healing," as bell hooks argued. Carla believes this knowledge should reach the public in a clear, accessible, and transparent way.
CLARA PADILHA
Communications
Clara is 23 years old, holds a degree in Graphic Design from Belas Artes University Center of São Paulo, and won the 2025 Brazilian Design Award. Above all, she values building community in online spaces, especially for the impact it can have on discussions around gender, sustainability, and LGBTQIA+ spaces. In her free time, she enjoys art, going to the movies, and spending time with her two orange cats.
MARINA GOMES
Communications
Marina Gomes is a designer, architect and photographer from Goiânia, Brazil, currently based in Belo Horizonte. They are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Visual Arts and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, with a minor in Human Rights from UFMG and international experience at the University of Sheffield, UK. Since their undergraduate studies, Marina has developed a strong interest in multidisciplinary approaches that connect design, art, media, and politics. Their work focuses on the use of visual tools as a means of engaging with social justice, exploring how images can contribute to critical dialogue and collective transformation.
MILENA ALBUQUERQUE
Communications
Milena Albuquerque is a Biological Sciences student at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), born and raised in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Her academic work focuses on biodiversity conservation and environmental communication. She conducts research on the conservation of Atlantic Forest mammals and is involved in Critical Environmental Education initiatives. She has also developed her expertise in environmental journalism through seminars, workshops, and content production for Fundição Progresso. She believes that building a just and ecologically balanced world depends on the integration of research, creativity, and communication, as well as the creation of new narratives and the recovery of traditional knowledge as forms of resistance to the current ecological crisis.
Research
MAÏRA DE ROUSSAN
Research Co-Director
Maïra de Roussan has dual Canadian and Brazilian citizenship. She graduated in Political Science and History from McGill University in Canada and currently lives in Salvador, Bahia, her hometown. She is now working at the intersection of International Cooperation and Sustainability, in Salvador´s City Hall. She is also completing a postgraduation in Environment and Sustainability at FGV. Maïra is passionate about the environment, especially the ocean and its protection. During her free time, you can always find her travelling or by the sea, with her snorkel or surfboard. She has found herself in the environmental agenda and has big dreams to promote policies to fight climate change and gender inequality. She strongly believes in Empodera’s mission statement and in the power that education and public awareness hold to build a better future for the planet and for everyone.
TAÍS SERRA MONTANI
Research Co-Director
Taís is from Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil. She is currently studying International Relations at Unisinos, where she gets really involved with student politics and initiatives of the university. Promoting gender equality has always been very important for her, and studying the huge challenge of climate change in the international system showed her how we still have many simple unknown ways to contribute and misinformation about this fight and its consequences. She is one of the founders of @guriasdori, an Instagram account focused on the democratization of information and women representation. In her spare time, she loves reading and having a cup of coffee.
CARMEN ROBERTA TABOADA
Researcher
Carmen is from Porto Alegre, Brazil. She holds a BA in International Relations at Unisinos, Brazil, for which her thesis was about the suffrage movement and its impact on British foreign policy. Since then, she fell in love with the subject of women empowerment and political participation, and social justice movements in general. Carmen considers access to information and education fundamental pillars for changing the world order we live in, so she has participated in different social and academic volunteer work, and now is joining EmpoderaClima to contribute even more to this objective. In her free time, Carmen enjoys reading books, watching TV series, listening to podcasts about global news, hanging out with her friends and travelling.
AMANDA LEGÓRBURU
Researcher
Amanda Legórburu is a Fine Arts and Design Student located in Madrid, Spain. She is originally from Caracas, Venezuela but moved to Madrid in 2018 to pursue her studies. Amanda is very interested in topics of social diversity and inclusion, as well as climate change solutions. In her free time, she loves reading, drawing, and watching tv shows. She is also an avid language and music lover!
AMANDA MARTINS
Researcher
Amanda Rossini Martins is a Brazilian lawyer specialized in Environmental, Urban, and Digital Law, with a Master’s from the European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratization. A climate activist with Latinas por el Clima, she has published on refugee law, algorithmic discrimination, indigenous rights, and climate mobility. Her thesis focused on climate litigation and corporate responsibility. Passionate about nature, veganism, and communication, she advocates for climate justice and more-than-human rights through a decolonized, interdisciplinary lens.
ANNA CAROLINA FRANÇA
Researcher
Anna Carolina França Costa Cruz is a master's student in Political Science at the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and holds a degree in Philosophy from PUC-Rio. A 25-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, her academic work focuses on politics and society, with a particular interest in contemporary issues. An avid reader, she sees books as a constant source of learning and reflection. She also enjoys cultural activities such as theater and cinema and values spending time with friends. Her interdisciplinary background in Philosophy and Political Science shapes her critical and thoughtful approach to social issues.
BIANCA CAVALCANTI
Researcher
Bianca is from Pernambuco, Brazil, and is a researcher, activist, and Law student at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Her work has been shaped by a commitment to human rights and environmental justice, focusing on the intersection of the international human rights system with climate and social justice, particularly the study of sacrifice zones and environmental racism. She is currently researching a just energy transition and its socio-environmental impacts on traditional communities. Bianca believes the climate crisis cannot be addressed without tackling gender and racial inequalities, and sees education and community empowerment as the foundation of decolonial climate justice.
LAURA GALVÃO
Researcher
Laura is a communications professional with a major in marketing. From an early age, caring for nature has always been part of her life as she grew up with an environmental engineer as a mom and a grandfather who was passionate about bees. During her undergraduate years, she joined Clima de Mudança, a youth-led climate organization, and after graduation became part of the Global Shapers, an initiative by the World Economic Forum. Within Global Shapers, she had the opportunity to co-lead the Menstrual Dignity Project. Currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in ESG and Corporate Sustainability at FGV, Laura is passionate about using communication and marketing as tools for business transformation and positive social impact. She believes that connection and engagement are powerful tools to build a better world and create a more sustainable and possible future.
LUIZA CALEIA
Researcher
I am a compassionate, courageous, and respectful high school student. I represented my home state of Minas Gerais at Brazil's 5th National Conference on the Environment and Brazilian youth at COP30. As a community leader, I led local campaigns for 30 NGOs, helping collect over 10,000 donated items. I studied biology in a summer program at the University of Cambridge and culture and technology through AFS China. As the founder of the Girls' Biology Olympiad, I engaged more than 1,000 Brazilian girls and supported 76 research projects on the triple planetary crisis. I serve as a youth advisor to Girl Up and the Adolescent Girls Investment Plan, representing them at CSW70 and Women Deliver. I am also a climate educator with Latinas pelo Clima, LCOY Brazil, and Tocando em Frente, where I have developed teaching materials and taught around 400 students.
MARIA CLARA PINHEIRO
Researcher
Maria Clara Pinheiro de Souza is a 31-year-old biologist based in Belém, Pará. She works in environmental education across the Amazon, especially with fishing communities, focusing on marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and coastal ecosystem protection. Her work is rooted in close engagement with local communities, which has strengthened her interest in climate justice and environmental communication. She seeks to make complex issues accessible while valuing traditional knowledge and community leadership. She believes addressing the climate crisis requires listening, inclusion, and solutions grounded in local realities. She is committed to building educational initiatives that foster belonging, critical awareness, and social change in the Amazon.
Projects & Impact
VITTORIA HORCH
Projects Director
Vittoria Horch is from Porto Alegre, Brazil, and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from University of the Sinos Valley (UNISINOS). During her studies, she has developed a great interest in the topics of gender equality, climate and sustainable development. As her final thesis, Vittoria researched gender in climate policies, analyzing the contributions of the NDCs to gender equity in South America. In addition, she also currently participates in different social and academic volunteer work. In her free time, Vittoria enjoys reading, watching horror movies, going out to eat with friends and traveling! At EmpoderaClima, she’s a part of the Project Management team!
BRENDA MEDEIROS
Projects Manager
Brenda is a Brazilian environmental and civil engineer with a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Columbia University and over six years of experience in renewable energy and carbon management. At 21, she founded a solar energy business to expand clean energy access. Originally from Piauí, she actively supports women in STEM through initiatives like Women in Solar Energy Brazil and the Society of Women Graduate Engineers. Brenda has led sustainability projects across the Americas and champions collaborative, solutions-driven leadership.
BRUNA ALMEIDA
Projects Manager
Bruna Almeida, from Sorocaba, São Paulo, is pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Brasília and Sciences Po Paris. Raised near Atlantic Forest reserves and active in the Scouts, she developed a strong interest in climate and sustainable development. Bruna now works with international organizations on environmental projects and is actively involved in youth advocacy for the 2030 Agenda in Brazil. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading romance novels, and spending time with family.
CAROLINA LEAL DE MAGALHÃES
Administrative Affairs
Carolina Leal de Magalhães is a graduate in International Relations from UFRJ and is currently completing a postgraduate degree in Sustainability at the same institution. Working in internationalization at a university, she is driven by her passion for sustainability and gender issues, which have shaped her academic and professional journey. Motivated by the pressing challenges of today, Carolina is eager to contribute to a more just and sustainable future. In her free time, she loves losing herself in a good book, always with a cup of iced coffee by her side - though she's never one to turn down a good beer with her friends!
DANIELA CRUZ
Project Manager
A northeastern woman and co-founder of the Brazilian Biodiversity and Climate Network (RBBC), I have over seven years' experience in the areas of climate activism, biodiversity conservation, gender justice and youth mobilization. I have a bachelor's degree in Forestry Engineering from the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), where I received an honorable mention for second place in the area of Agricultural Sciences in the Scientific Initiation Award (PIBIC/UFS). I was an advisor to the European Union's Youth Advisory Committee for Cooperation in Brazil and communications supervisor for the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Brazil (GYBN Brasil). I am an advocate of intersectional environmentalism, and believe that tackling planetary crises requires a deep commitment to gender equity, racial justice and the collective construction of solutions.
DANIELA GADENS
Project Manager
Daniela Gadens Zanetti, from Curitiba, Brazil, is a Bioprocess Engineer with a degree from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and a master's in Oceanography from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Oceanography at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES). She is a member of the Marine Litter in Coastal and Ocean Environments Research Group (LixoMar) and the Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution Laboratory (LabGAm). Her research focuses on bioremediation, environmental awareness, and marine litter, with an emphasis on anthropogenic microparticles, mangrove contamination, and the impacts of capitalist society on Earth's systems. Daniela believes education is essential to empowering women in addressing the climate crisis.
DOMINIQUE MAIA
Project Manager
Dominique Maia is originally from São Paulo and currently lives in Brazil's Federal District. She holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Brasília (UnB) and a specialization in Gender-Based Violence, with a focus on the State, Public Policy, and Social Movements, awarded by Asociación Civil Comunicación para la Igualdad through a scholarship from the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM/OAS). She has experience in political education content, institutional communications, and supporting the integration of gender equality, diversity, and social inclusion across projects. Her main interests include human rights, climate change, migration and refugees, and racial and gender equity. She is committed to advancing social justice and more inclusive responses to today's challenges.
GEOVANNA JANUÁRIO
Projects Manager
Geovanna Januário is from São Paulo’s countryside, with a degree in Geography from the Federal University of Viçosa and currently pursuing a master’s in Development, Planning, and Territory at the Federal University of São João del-Rei. Her work focuses on social transformation through critical geography, emphasizing territories, environmental justice, and grassroots movements. She supports feminist resistance and leads projects that empower marginalized youth, popular culture, and Black women. Her research centers on environmental racism, traditional communities, and mining-affected areas, highlighting the economic and social strength of Black women and their networks of resistance and solidarity.
NATHALIA ALVES
Projects Manager
Nathalia was born in São Paulo and currently lives in Natal, known as the "City of the Sun" in Brazil. She is finishing her degree in Industrial Engineering at UFRN, with a thesis focused on Humanitarian Logistics in crisis and disaster contexts. Throughout her studies, she has been involved in projects and research related to green products and renewable energy, and also completed an academic exchange program in France. She has professional experience in consulting and logistics, and her goal is to integrate engineering with the promotion of climate justice and sustainability. Nathalia is a fitness enthusiast, yoga practitioner, and passionate about long walks while traveling, coffee, and creative ideas.
VITÓRIA PASSOS
Projects Manager
Vitória Passos is a climate activist and Urban Resilience researcher based in Recife, Brazil. She has over five years of experience in urban resilience, disaster risk reduction, and climate adaptation. A Law graduate from the Catholic University of Pernambuco, she has also taken part in leadership and governance programs (Clear Miami, Youth Climate Leaders, Cleo Institute), disaster risk training (FEMA, IAEM, CERT Miami), and climate advocacy (Miami Climate Alliance, EngajaMundo). Vitória currently serves as Innovation and Urban Resilience Manager at ProMorar Recife, a project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, where she also coordinates NUPDEC Mulheres—the first public disaster risk leadership training program in Brazil exclusively for women.
Advocacy
VICTÓRIA RAMPAZZO
Advocacy Director
Victória Rampazzo, 26 years old, is a young Brazilian woman from Sao Paulo, she has an Environmental Management from the University of Sao Paulo, and is currently living in Porto (Portugal) doing a Master's Degree in Hazards, Cities, and Spatial Planning at the University of Porto. She is a passionate person about good transformations in society. Member of the Brazilian youth-led organization "Engajamundo", Focal Point of Youth Climate Leader (YCL), and is a Youth Leader at the UN Women’s Feminist Action for Climate Justice Action Coalition. She participated in communication, advocacy, and climate education projects, co-organizing events at CSW66, CSW67, and also participated at COP 27 a panel discussion about SRHR and Climate. She had the opportunity to participate in European Projects about youth, climate, and is currently working on assurance & audit projects focused on sustainability and ESG for companies.
FRANCIELLE SILVA
Advocacy
Francielle Silva, from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has been an environmental activist for over nine years. She holds degrees in International Relations from UFRGS and Environmental Management from IFES. Her work includes research on climate justice and projects with Quilombola, Indigenous, and Afro-Brazilian religious communities in southern Brazil. She currently works in the northern region of the country, promoting sustainability education and initiatives that value Amazonian knowledge and traditions.
BEATRIZ DUTRA
Advocacy
Beatriz Dutra, from Rio de Janeiro, is a researcher and educator working on climate change and environmental justice. A climate activist, she believes education is key to social transformation. She holds a degree in Social Sciences from the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and is currently pursuing a master's in Sociology and Law (PPGSD/UFF), researching REDD+ and carbon markets in the Brazilian Amazon. She is a member of the Observatory on Socio-Environmental Law and Human Rights in the Amazon (ODSDH/UFAM) and serves on the editorial board of the journal Ambiente & Sociedade. She works with climate justice movements, traditional communities, and agroecology to develop climate adaptation strategies. She is motivated by building emancipatory futures collectively.
BRUNA GAMA
Advocacy
Political Scientist from the University of Brasília (UnB) and specialist in Government Relations, with experience in environmental and climate advocacy across the Legislative and Executive branches, as well as international forums. She is currently taking graduate-level coursework in Social and Political Movements at UnB's Institute of Political Science. Her work focuses on connecting civil society organizations with policymakers, particularly in legislative and regulatory processes. She has developed advocacy strategies for national and international organizations on climate issues and led environmental initiatives at a specialized consultancy. She has also worked at Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Sebrae Nacional on projects related to human rights, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Her interests include climate justice, a just energy transition, and the intersection of gender and climate.
GIOVANNA CHIARELLA
Advocacy
Giovanna Arbia Chiarella is a Brazilian environmental lawyer from São Paulo, with a strong academic and professional background in environmental law and climate governance. She holds a Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, graduating with honors and nominated for best undergraduate thesis. She also completed postgraduate studies in Environmental Law and Sustainability at FGV, as well as training in carbon management and climate strategies. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Law and Economics of the Sea at NOVA School of Law in Lisbon, she focuses on ocean governance and equitable approaches to marine resource use, her greatest passion. Professionally, she has advised on environmental and policy matters and served as a volunteer lawyer supporting women in vulnerable situations. Her path is shaped by experiences across Canada, Portugal, Brazil’s Amazon region and Kenya. In Nairobi, she contributed to the Women to Business project in Mathare, advancing women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship initiatives.
REBHEKA QUINTÃO
Advocacy
Rebheka Quintão is a young leader committed to climate justice, technological innovation, and community transformation. She works with Juscli Lab and the NGO Saluz, developing initiatives focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly in vulnerable communities. Her work brings together education, community engagement, and sustainable solutions through projects such as urban composting workshops, support for local economies, and the promotion of agroecological practices. Rebheka believes communities are the driving force behind lasting change and works closely with underserved urban and rural populations. Through training programs and network-building, she seeks to expand access to knowledge and strengthen local capacity to address today's socio-environmental challenges. Her work is guided by equity, social justice, and collective care, contributing to more sustainable and resilient futures.
Operations Team
ROCÍO OSORIO
Operations Director
Rocío Osorio is from Perú and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Engineering and a Master’s degree in Consumer Science. During her Master's studies she deepen her interest in the topic: “The Role of Gender in Entrepreneurship” and wrote her master’s thesis in that field. She has been living in Munich, Germany since 2019 and now she is working in Consulting. She believes that change happens when we take action and every contribution matters, regardless of its size. She also volunteers in a network to promote DE&I with a focus on race and ethnicity in the company she works for.
Administrative Affairs
IZABELLA COLINO
Administrative Affairs Director
Izabella is a young researcher from Belém, Brazil. She loves learning about different cultures and believes that even local actions can cause global repercussions. Izabella also holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and is currently doing her Master's in Political Science. Passionate about causes regarding the Amazon region, education and gender equality, she engages herself in volunteering in different organizations to contribute in making the world a better place.
JÚLIA MARIA LISBOA
Administrative Affairs
Júlia Maria Ramalho Lisboa is a lawyer, researcher, and holds a master's degree in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development from Dom Helder Câmara School of Law. She earned her law degree from the same institution and has built her academic and professional career around environmental justice, human rights, and climate governance.
MARIA FERNANDA SILVA
Administrative Affairs
Maria Fernanda Ferreira Silva is a 19-year-old Business Administration student from Minas Gerais, Brazil. She is interested in the connections between education, youth, and climate justice, and has built her path through community outreach projects and social impact initiatives. She takes part in climate-related programs and events, where she seeks to learn, exchange experiences, and contribute to discussions on the role of education in building a more sustainable future. She believes education is a driver of change and that access to information is a powerful tool for expanding opportunities, especially for young people.
People & Culture
IZABELA SARALHA FRIGUETTO
People & Culture Co-Director
Izabela, 26 years old, has dual Portuguese and Brazilian citizenship. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from Escola Superior Dom Helder Câmara (ESDHC) and in Philosophy from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Throughout her academic and professional path, Izabela has developed a strong interest in public service, social justice, and labor rights. She currently works as a legal advisor at the City Attorney's Office of Belo Horizonte, focusing on labor-related matters involving public servants. In addition to her professional work, she has also been engaged in volunteer activities and legal research, especially on topics related to the protection of social rights and climate-just world. In her free time, Izabela enjoys hiking, practicing CrossFit, and exploring cultural and gastronomic experiences.
LUIZA SCHERER
People & Culture Co-Director
Luiza was born in Porto Alegre - RS, Brazil and is currently living in Portugal. With a degree in International Relations and a Masters in Development and International Cooperation, she combines a background in leadership with a deep commitment to climate action. During her academic years, she specialized in climate research focused on Small Island Developing States and environmental migration. She also has a professional career in branding and digital marketing, but decided to join EmpoderaClima to fulfill her passion and lifelong goal of taking action against climate change.
INGRID LORENA DA SILVA
People & Culture
Ingrid is from Pará, Brazil, and is an Agronomist with a degree from the Federal Rural University of the Amazon. She is currently the Communities and Engagement Coordinator at Instituto COJOVEM, where she leads initiatives to strengthen youth leadership across the Amazon.
LAÍS LARA PEREIRA
People & Culture
Laís Lara de Oliveira Pereira holds a degree in Social Sciences from the Fluminense Federal University (UFF) and is an early-career researcher in social anthropology, political ecology, and climate justice. Born and based in Rio de Janeiro, her research focuses on environmental racism, territorial issues, and socio-environmental inequalities, with an emphasis on the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Her academic and civic work spans education, research, and youth advocacy through national and international initiatives on sustainability, public participation, and climate justice. She seeks to connect research, collective dialogue, and social change through an interdisciplinary perspective rooted in the realities of the Global South.
Institutional Affairs
LUÍSA BUOGO
Institutional Affairs Director
Luísa Buogo is from Porto Alegre, Brazil, and holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from UNISINOS, Brazil. She is currently running her own business as a private English teacher while pursuing a career in multilateral institutions. She believes that gender and climate issues need to have more space in political and social agendas and for her, the commitment to bring information and knowledge widely is one of the ways to achieve this goal.
ANA PAULA BARBOSA
Researcher
Ana Paula Barbosa, from Goiânia (Brazil), holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Brasília (UnB). She has experience in advocacy, applied research, and project management, working at the intersection of government, private sector, and civil society on issues like sustainable agriculture, ESG, and biome conservation. Ana Paula has contributed to public policy on climate and gender through roles at Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British government. She studied sustainable business at the Free University of Berlin and led environmental education projects with “A Vida no Cerrado.” At EmpoderaClima, she supports knowledge-sharing and female leadership in climate action. In her free time, she enjoys painting, crocheting, and biking.
EMILY CAMPOS
Institutional Affairs
Emily Campos is a Junior International Relations professional with a Bachelor’s from UFRRJ, a Master’s from UNILA, and a Postgraduate diploma in International Law from CEDIN. Her work focuses on Human Rights, International Cooperation, Gender, and Sustainable Development, enriched by experience in Model UN, international law competitions, and research. She has contributed to research centers and international organizations through administrative and project support roles, and has also volunteered in education in both Peru and Brazil. A polyglot fluent in five languages, Emily is deeply committed to democratizing knowledge and fostering meaningful communication, guided by the Latin principle of communicare—to share, participate, and make a positive impact.
IASMIN SILVA
Institutional Affairs
Iasmin Albuquerque is a Law student at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) and a Systems Analysis and Development student at CESAR School in Recife, Brazil. She is currently an intern at the Recife City Hall's Executive Secretariat for International Relations, supporting the city's international affairs. She also serves as Academic Director of Pernambuco Model United Nations (PEMUN) and is an alumna of the Youth Climate Leaders (YCL) and Jóvenes por las Finanzas Sostenibles (PJFS) programs, which strengthened her commitment to climate action. Her interests lie at the intersection of international politics, environmental law, climate policy, and technology, with a focus on developing digital solutions and public policy. In her free time, she enjoys creating visual art and playing beach volleyball with friends.
JULIANA ROSSI
Institutional Affairs
Juliana Rossi is an international relations professional from São Paulo, working in climate finance, urban governance, and sustainability. Her work focuses on climate solutions that promote social justice, gender equity, and local capacity-building, particularly in the Global South. She currently works with local governments and multi-stakeholder initiatives on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate resilience, and territorial planning. She holds a degree in International Relations from PUC Minas and specializations in ESG from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) and in urban and territorial planning from Instituto Cidades Responsivas. Beyond her professional work, she has led more than 100 volunteer initiatives through the NGO Força Jovem. Her interests lie at the intersection of climate, gender, development, and public policy, with a focus on advancing more just, inclusive, and effective climate solutions.
LUCERO RODRIGUEZ
Institutional Affairs
Lucero is an Argentinian lawyer, activist and researcher born and based in Formosa, Argentina. She is an advocate for gender equality and access to education. Currently, she is working in the Ministry of Economy, Treasure and Finance of Formosa and has recently won a Fulbright scholarship to do a Master of International Affairs and Development in the U.S. in 2023. She has a Bachelor of Laws from UNNE in Argentina, and academic exchanges in the U.S. and Brazil. Additionally, she has more than 4 years of volunteering work in educational organizations, and she is a member of the Board of Directors of US Alumni NEA (Northeast of Argentina), an alumni group of educational programs of the U.S. State Department that promotes academic opportunities.
SOFIA SIQUEIRA
Institutional Affairs
Sofia Siqueira, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, holds a degree in International Relations from Unisinos and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at Leiden University in the Netherlands. She has interned at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, contributed to research on climate disaster impacts, and supported Brazilian companies at ApexBrasil. A former volunteer with UNICEF Brazil’s #tmjUNICEF, she is passionate about public policy, especially translating research into action. At EmpoderaClima, she works on the Institutional Affairs team.
Legal Affairs
HELENA TEICH
Legal Director
Helena is from São Paulo, Brazil, but has also lived in Rio de Janeiro. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from FGV Direito Rio. During her academic and professional journey Helena worked with arbitration, corporate and private law and intellectual property. Alongside her legal practice, Helena has always been deeply concerned about the impact of climate change and social inequalities. She’s driven by the belief that collective action can reverse the harm being done to both the planet and its most vulnerable communities. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new cultures through travel, cuisine, and media, always eager to expand her worldview and understanding of diverse perspectives.
INDIRA DE OLIVEIRA
Legal Advisor
Indira de Oliveira is a Brazilian lawyer from Amazonas, born in Maraã, where she developed an early awareness of climate issues and their social impacts. She holds a law degree from the State University of Amazonas (UEA) and a Master's in International Law from Seoul National University through the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS). She is currently pursuing an MBA in Climate Emergency at the University of São Paulo (USP). Indira is a researcher at UEA's Human Rights and Environmental Law Clinic and USP's Environmental Law Workshop, focusing on climate justice. She also coordinates the Amazon Working Group at LACLIMA and works in the legal department of the União dos Povos Indígenas do Vale do Javari (UNIVAJA). She believes the law can amplify voices, protect territories, and help build a more just and sustainable future.
NATÁLIA ARUME
Legal Advisor
Natália da Costa Arume was born in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, and has lived in Brasília for the past 16 years. She is a lawyer, holding a law degree from IDP and a specialization in Public Law from CEUB. During her postgraduate studies, she focused her research on state liability in the context of natural disasters. Natália believes the law is essential to ensuring that climate resilience is built on equity and human dignity. She is part of the Legal Affairs team at EmpoderaClima, where she works to strengthen legal protections for women and girls facing the impacts of climate change.
YASMIN ARAÚJO
Legal Advisor
Yasmin Soares de Sousa Araujo, from Fortaleza, Brazil, is a lawyer specialized in Public and Environmental Law. Passionate about humanitarian and environmental causes, she also dedicates herself to academic research. Since 2020, she has been a researcher in International Human Rights Law with the GEDAI group at the Federal University of Ceará. She joined Associação Marta’s legal team in 2022, supporting efforts against structural violence toward women, and became a member of the OAB/CE Human Rights Commission in 2023. In 2025, she joined EmpoderaClima as a Legal Advisor, driven by the belief that transforming the world is not madness, but a pursuit of justice—an ideal she brings to every step of her journey.
Budget & Impact
NATALY HONÓRIO
Budget & Impact Director
Nataly is originally from Lins, in the countryside of São Paulo, where she currently lives. Driven by her passion for social impact, she is involved in a local association that supports families facing financial hardship. She also serves as Director of Administration at BRASA, a global organization that supports Brazilian students in their international journeys. A graduate in Accounting, she is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Finance and Controllership at the University of São Paulo. Her search for professional purpose led her to focus on climate change and the role of institutions in this context—one of the main reasons she joined EmpoderaClima, where she works as Budget and Impact Leader.
CAMILA ROCHA
Budget & Impact
Camila T Q Rocha, born in Belém, from Pará, an accountant, holds a postgraduate degree in Auditing and is a student of Rural Development (UFPA). She volunteers in the Extension Program ‘Amazônia em Questão’ (NUMA/UFPA), is a pet mom, and joined EmpoderaClima with the belief that the world can be a fairer place to live in.
JAQUELINE SANTOS
Budget & Impact
Jaqueline Brandani da Costa Santos was born in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, and has lived in several cities across Brazil, as well as spending a semester in Australia on a scholarship exchange program. She holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (USP) and is currently pursuing an MBA in Environmental Management and Technologies at the same university. Through her studies, environmental training, and volunteer work, she found her purpose in advancing just climate solutions. She believes climate justice is built on practical action, human values, and genuine commitment, and sees her volunteer work with Empodera as a way to contribute to that transformation.
MAYRLA MORAES
Budget & Impact
Mayrla holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Brasília (UnB). Her professional experience includes data analysis, business development, and strategic management, contributing to projects that improve organizational performance. She aims to foster connections and develop solutions that support strategic decision-making and sustainable development in corporate and international settings. Born in Ceilândia, Federal District, she is also a passionate volleyball enthusiast.