Ashoka Welcomes 21 New Young Changemakers from Brazil

Twenty-one Brazilian young changemakers who lead impactful social projects and movements in their schools and communities have just been recognized by Ashoka and joined our global community.

With ages ranging from 16 to 20 and representing, they are taking on the responsibility of leading a global conversation that aims to redefine success for someone growing up in today's world. 

United by a common mission to create a fairer, more equal, and sustainable world, these young changemakers are joining forces with social entrepreneurs, educators, community leaders, media and publishers, and government decision-makers to amplify their collaboration and innovation. The Museum of Tomorrow hosted the announcement of the 2023 Young Changemakers, marking the largest cohort ever recognized by Ashoka. 

Helena Singer, leader of Ashoka's Youth Strategy, emphasizes that Ashoka Young Changemakers play a key role in driving social change in their communities. "These young leaders recognize the need to adapt to rapid changes, address environmental and social crises, and foster inclusive and constructive relationships for a peaceful world." 

Midria Pereira, who's also an Ashoka Young Changemaker and the coordinator of Ashoka's Youth Strategy in Brazil, highlights that Young Changemakers foster a culture that recognizes the inherent power within each person. They inspire both young individuals and adults to contribute solutions to the challenges they observe in their own realities, whether those challenges directly affect them or their communities. 

These young changemakers underwent a rigorous selection process, conducted by coleaders of the "Everyone a Changemaker" movement in Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, and the United States. Now, they embark on a journey of learning and self-reflection, exploring their identities, social causes, communities, and collaboration strategies to amplify the social impact of their initiatives and ensuring they will spread the changemaking culture wherever they go. 

Recognizing that anyone can be a changemaker, it is crucial for institutions shaping young people's education and opportunities to embrace this culture. Schools should create an environment that nurtures students' changemaking skills; while universities should acknowledge the social change experiences of young individuals in their selection processes. Everyone would greatly benefit from individuals with a purpose-driven mindset, including the market. These steps would contribute to a more just and equitable development of Brazilian society

Andrea Margit, Ashoka's leader of Communication and Framework Change.

Meet the Ashoka Young Changemakers 2023 

RIO DE JANEIRO   

Two of the Young Changemakers are from the state of Rio de Janeiro. Gabriela Santos Veneno, 17 years old, from São João do Meriti, is one of them. She is the creator of the Cycle of Love project, which aims to bring forth discussions about sexual health, reproductive rights, and prevent child abuse. The project was born to engage youth in addressing menstrual poverty. In its two years of existence, it has already donated hygiene kits to shelters and schools, focusing on young people aged 10 to 17, impacting over 600 individuals. Gabriela has also raised about $7,000 USD and intends to replicate the project in other regions of the country. The group consists of 30 volunteers in vulnerable areas of Rio and other cities. Gabriela highlights the taboo and stigma surrounding menstruation, emphasizing the need to break down these barriers through research and open discussions.  

Meanwhile, Samuel Jordan Nascimento, an 18-year-old from Rio de Janeiro, has created the Children of Vila Operária Project to support the development of changemaking skills in children of his community. He is also a member of the Popular Chamber of the Duque de Caxias municipality. 

SÃO PAULO  

Four of the recognized young changemakers recognized by Ashoka are from São Paulo. One of them is Luísa Santi, a 19-year-old resident of São Bernardo do Campo. As an International Relations student at PUC-SP, she leads the Climate Activist Defenders alongside two German friends. The organization aims to ensure the safety and well-being of environmental activists at risk in conflict areas. The initiative supports young people from any region of the world, enabling them to continue leading the global climate movement. Established in 2021, the organization has already assisted around 100 activists in emergency situations across more than 10 countries.  

Witnessing someone rebuild their life is incredibly rewarding. This experience can serve as an inspiration for other young people, demonstrating how anyone can engage, dedicate themselves to a cause, and bring about change, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. With commitment, anything is possible.

Luísa Santi

Initially starting as an environmental activist with Greenpeace Brazil, Luísa's idea for the Climate Activist Defenders arose when she launched a crowdfunding campaign to support an activist facing threats from the Taliban in Afghanistan.

"Our video was shared by activist Greta Thunberg, and we raised £40,000. However, we soon realized that money alone wouldn't address the broader challenges of how and where an activist under threat should be relocated. As a result, we gained significant visibility and received numerous requests for assistance," recalls Luísa. 

The other three young changemakers from São Paulo are:  

Gabriela Zanolini Moisés, 17 years old, leader of the Girl Up Club Campinas and Valinhos, which mobilizes girls for female health and menstrual dignity.  

Jahzara Teixeira, 18 years old, from SustainLife, a project that provides support to teenagers in situations of social vulnerability.  

Maria Eduarda de Oliveira, 19 years old, co-creator of the Brazilian Math Olympiad in Brazilian Sign Language (OBMLibras), for the inclusion of non-verbal hearing-impaired individuals.  

BAHIA  

Júlia Carvalho, an 18-year-old from Salvador, established the Logos project in August 2022. This initiative aims to enhance access to scientific research for students from public institutions across Brazil by connecting them with university undergrad and graduate students. The objective is to foster the value of scientific research in a context marked by mistrust and skepticism. To date, the initiative has successfully matched 20 mentors with 30 mentees, trained 10 multipliers, and engaged with five partner schools, benefiting over 400 students. 

"I am deeply passionate about topics like Social Sciences, Economics, and Politics. These fields of knowledge allow me to further investigate the world. I firmly believe that research is a right, and the most effective way for young people to delve into subjects of interest. However, I faced numerous barriers when attempting to engage in scientific research, ranging from a lack of mentors to the need for financial investments. These challenges motivated me to create an initiative that simplifies the research journey for other young individuals." shares Júlia. 

Joining the Ashoka Young Changemakers network from Bahia is Igor Silva Santos, a 19-year-old resident of Candeias. He is the creator of Black Gold, a project that promotes robotics education in public schools. Igor conducts workshops, delivers lectures, and organizes teams to participate in tournaments, fostering the implementation of educational robotics. 

GOIÁS  

Adhara Rahal, a 17-year-old, is the founder of Project Keller (PK), an initiative aimed at promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in society through partnerships with schools and companies. Adhara's personal interactions with people with disabilities have fueled her strong emotional connection to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) agenda. In 2022, she came across the inspiring life story of Helen Keller, the first deaf-blind woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Inspired by her story, Adhara decided to create Project Keller. To date, approximately 2,500 young people have participated in the project's activities. PK facilitates discussions, sign language classes in schools, mentors teenagers with disabilities, and provides support to their families, among other initiatives. The project currently has 60 volunteers, many of whom have disabilities themselves. 

"Project Keller has become the centerpiece of my life. In Brazil, prejudice against people with disabilities is pervasive. PK has not only changed my own thinking but also that of those around me, encouraging us to take meaningful action. My ultimate goal is to share this transformative experience with as many people as possible," shares Adhara. 

MINAS GERAIS  

Rhayani Dias, an 18-year-old from Piedade de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, is one of Ashoka's recognized young changemakers. Through her initiative, Politiqueiros Brasil, she works to promote democratic culture and political education among youth. She organizes activities like Electoral Offices and the Politics Olympics, known as Polichampions. Rhayani has been engaging in political conversations since the age of 10, driven by a sense of necessity and citizenship. 

Ashoka also recognized two other young individuals from Minas Gerais: Bruna Santana, 16 years old from Belo Horizonte, creator of Dolphin Educ, which provides educational resources to those with limited internet access; and Érica Lisboa, 19 years old from Natércia, creator of Somos ELO, aiming to empower youth participation in citizenship. 

BRASILIA  

Isabela Silva, 18, is the co-founder of Young Leaders for Peace, a project addressing conflicts, prejudices, and violence in schools. 

Isadora Silva, also 18, co-founded GirlUpMun, which organizes UN simulations to promote gender equality. 

Leonardo Pereira da Silva Neto, 19, created the Wanderlust project, a free virtual mentoring program that provides language education to low-income individuals from small and large cities. 

MARANHÃO  

Ruanne Martins, 17, from Santa Inês, is a co-founder of Girl Up Angico, a club dedicated to promoting women's health and combating misinformation. 

PARÁ  

Thalya Souza da Silva, 18, from Castanhal, is a co-founder of the Miri Collective, a passionate group dedicated to preserving the environment and protecting the cultural heritage of the Amazon people. 

PARANÁ  

Isabela Machado, 18 years old, a resident of Pinhais, has created the MVP's Community, a project that provides access to high-quality sports, free of charge, without stereotypes or gender barriers.  

PIAUÍ  

Raislúcio de Carvalho Leal, 20, from Belém do Piauí, has created Active Reading, a project focused on fostering love for reading among low-income youth groups.  

RIO GRANDE DO NORTE  

Heloíse Almeida Luna, 18, from Mossoró, leads the local chapter of Fridays for Future, a movement dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. Pablo de Azevedo, 19, from Jardim do Seridó, has created Clicaki, a project focused on reducing digital illiteracy.