Maria Eduarda

Maria Eduarda has always been involved in extracurricular activities such as Math Olympiads and Model UN simulations. She believes in the potential of these activities to develop leadership skills and access new opportunities. However, she soon realized that they were not accessible and inclusive for everyone. Her best friend, who is deaf, could not participate in extracurricular activities because they weren't offered in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). Initially, Maria Eduarda and her friend came up with the idea of opening a Libras course at school to educate other students and promote the inclusion of non-verbal individuals with hearing disabilities. Through her participation in the Leadership Journey Program, she met other young changemakers working in the field of disability who helped her create the first Brazilian Math Olympiad in Libras (OBMLibras).

The project team consists of over 60 volunteers, divided into various areas such as marketing, logistics, finance, and executive management. They encourage the participation of people from all over Brazil. OBMLibras also has the support of both deaf and hearing teachers who develop the exercises and correct the exams. The initiative has already reached 3,500 people in 16 Brazilian states and has been able to offer university scholarships to some of the Olympiad winners. For the future, Maria Eduarda plans to create a network of alumni to help them prepare for university and develop an app for opportunity for deaf people. She sees herself as a young changemaker because she had the opportunity to access different spaces and engage in conversations that made her recognize her own power, and she wants to help everyone have access to opportunities and spaces where they can acknowledge the power they already carry within themselves.