Team

Our people are our most treasured asset, and we need them to help us grow and advance our country.

We are working at scale to enhance and improve the quality of public education because it is the best way of expanding everyone’s potential and, consequently, Brazil’s potential. At the same time, we are focusing on developing young talent and leaders, because we believe in the multiplying effect they can have.

Vinícius Aguiar

Vinícius Aguiar works on Lemann Foundation’s Leaders Network team. An enthusiast of startups and social enterprises, he loves being part of communities and working through networks of people. He is the co-author of two e-books on community management and volunteer engagement. A former hospital clown, he is a facilitator at heart.

Laura Ogando

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, she holds a degree in Economics from UFRJ and a master’s in Applied Economics from FEARP/USP. Passionate about education and applied economics, she believes in the power of quality education to reduce inequality. She works in Lemann Foundation’s Knowledge, Data, and Research area, supporting different teams in generating evidence-based insights. fan of the beach, board games, and Brazilian music.

Matheus Melgaço

Father to Maria Julia, husband to Manu, and born and raised in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone. He holds a master’s degree in Social Communication from UERJ and a bachelor’s in Journalism from PUC-Rio. He has held leadership roles at companies such as iFood and Arco Educação, and has also ventured into entrepreneurship, founding the edtech Rafifa Academy — which spun off a project for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) — and Virgula, a communications and social impact agency. At Lemann Foundation, he works on the Leaders Network as a Project Lead, focusing on Brand & Positioning and the Selection Process.

Rayana Diogo de Vasconcelos

Forged in the heart of Minas Gerais — where every uai and sô carries a story — and raised to the sound of Milton Nascimento and the best of Brazilian music, Rayana is a proud mineirinha from Belo Horizonte who loves people, laughter, hugs, sunshine, music, and cheese. The daughter of a construction technician and a public school math teacher, she was bitten early by the education bug. After graduating as a Chemistry Technician and Metallurgical Engineer, she moved to Cuiabá to teach Chemistry and Science in a public school. Today, as a trainee at Fundação Lemann, she works so that all Brazilians can have access to quality education and the opportunity to achieve their biggest dreams.

David Ferreira

An undergraduate student in Humanities and Public Policy at UFABC, he has been working in the nonprofit sector for three years, with previous experience at Itaú Social and Instituto Votorantim. Passionate about culture and driven by education. He enjoys spending his free time visiting art exhibitions, cafés, and cinemas.

Daniela Caldeirinha

A journalist with a postgraduate degree in Social Psychology, she has over ten years of experience leading institutional communications for companies and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about learning, people, chocolate — and her beloved cats.

Felipe Proto

He holds a degree in Business Administration, a postgraduate degree in Business Management and Innovation, and a specialization in Leadership and Competitiveness for Latin America. He worked for five years at a management consulting firm. Passionate about sports, he believes in a more efficient, innovative, and opportunity-driven Brazil for all people.

Julia Cintra

Originally from Recife, she moved to Brasília to study International Relations and became involved in public policy work. A specialist in the Implementation of Educational Policies, she has worked with international organizations and served at the State Department of Education of Rio Grande do Norte as a Vetor Brasil resident. She deeply believes in the transformative power of education and in the people who think and act to build Brazil.

Matheus Nunes

A Corinthians fan married to a Palmeiras supporter, Matheus is the proud father of José and João. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Sciences from UFABC and a master’s in Public Administration and Government from FGV. With nearly a decade of experience across the public sector, the nonprofit field, and academia, he believes in the power of evidence-based public policies to help build a fairer and more inclusive Brazil.

Matheus Sena

Matheus comes from a Bahian family living in São Paulo’s ABC region and believes that music is one of the most powerful forms of human connection. He holds a degree in Humanities and Sciences with a focus on Territorial Planning from UFABC, where he discovered the transformative power of unity — an experience he deepened through Enactus, an organization whose alumni network he remains part of today. Before joining Lemann Foundation, he worked at São Paulo City Hall on public transparency initiatives and at Sebrae on local development projects. It was in education, however, that he found his true calling: he believes that quality education is essential to building a fairer world.

Natália Frenhan

With a degree in Business Administration, Nat is passionate about taking part in social projects and causes. She believes that education and love have the power to break down barriers. She loves movies, cooking, and traveling — and dreams of exploring the entire world.

Lidiamara Betette

She works in Lemann Foundation’s Ecosystem Development area, supporting organizations that advance causes aligned with the Foundation’s mission. A Public Administration graduate from Unicamp and a postgraduate student in Strategic Design and Innovation at the European Institute of Design, she spent four years working in social entrepreneurship, leading acceleration programs for entrepreneurs in key and challenging sectors for Brazil, such as education, housing, and economic inclusion. Lidi loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, and practicing outdoor sports like running, hiking, and diving. She believes education is our greatest opportunity to build a fairer and more equitable country.

Lucas Barbosa

Originally from the outskirts of São Paulo, he holds a degree in Humanities and Sciences from the Federal University of ABC (UFABC). He works as a Junior Analyst at Lemann Foundation, focusing on leadership and social impact. Passionate about philosophy, diplomacy, social transformation, and storytelling, he has found in the Foundation a place that embraces many of these passions.

Jonathan Lima

He dreams of being the host of a large table where everyone feels welcome and free to take a seat. Born in the northwest of São Paulo state and from a Bahian family, he holds a degree in Civil Engineering. He has experience in solution design and strategy, having worked in companies across consumer goods, technology, strategic consulting, and the social sector. He currently works with leadership development and innovation.

Laura Mattos

Born in Brasília, she holds a degree in History and Information Science from the University of Brasília (UnB) and an MBA in Business Administration from PUCRS. She has built her career leading projects across public institutions, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. Passionate about process improvement and road running, she is an enthusiast of new challenges and lifelong learning. Throughout her journey, she has come to value the importance of quality public education and efficient public services as key drivers of social transformation.

Camila Anker

An economist with an MBA in Investor Relations, she leads the Institutional Development team at Lemann Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in the private sector, she has worked in Finance, Investor Relations, and Communications before dedicating her career to helping build a fairer Brazil with greater opportunities for everyone. Mother to Lelê and Timtim, she is passionate about dance and travel — and never turns down a good team challenge, whether organizing it or competing to win.

Natália Medrado

Passionate about life! A certified accountant with an MBA in Strategic Business Management, she is part of Lemann Foundation’s Institutional Development team, working as Financial Coordinator. Grateful to be part of this amazing team that dreams of transforming Brazil’s reality, she loves photography, football, basketball, music, and traveling — and is always ready for her next adventure! Lemann Foundation.

Nathalia Ricci

A graduate in International Relations from UNESP and a proud public school alumna, she began her professional journey at the age of 16 and found in education the key to transforming her reality. She works in the Co-Investment in Philanthropic Partnerships area at Fundação Lemann and serves as Secretary-General of GEPESOI, a research and simulation group focused on international organizations. During her two years with AIESEC, she helped Latin American students expand their academic opportunities and connect with Brazilian universities. She believes in the power of partnerships to break down barriers and drive collective impact.

Thiago Medeiros

He holds a bachelor’s and a teaching degree in Biological Sciences, and is a proud product of Brazil’s public school system and affirmative action policies. He strongly believes that education is the foundation for addressing the complex challenges our society faces and is committed to advancing equitable, high-quality education that equips students to face these challenges with resilience and courage. At Lemann Foundation, he works as an Analyst on the Education team, with a special focus on literacy.

Amanda Araujo

She believes in education as a transformative force. Trained in Business Administration and passionate about people, she is a Black woman from São Paulo, deeply inspired by Northeastern Brazilian culture and a forró enthusiast. At Lemann Foundation, she works in the People area, with a careful and attentive approach to the needs of the team.

David Azevedo

He holds a degree in Communications from UFJF and a postgraduate degree in Marketing and Big Data. His career has been built around marketing and content production in both private companies and nonprofit organizations. He also has experience producing cultural projects, such as film festivals, exhibitions, and movies. Passionate about traveling, cooking, and creating ceramic pieces.

Isabelina Meireles

She holds a degree in International Relations and has previous experience managing partnerships across the private and social sectors. She believes education is one of the main drivers of social mobility — and that through it, Brazil can truly be transformed. Passionate about adventure sports, she practices climbing, long-distance running, and open-water swimming.

Catherine Chede

She holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from FEI and discovered her passion for administration while working at her family’s business. She believes that transforming education is the key to changing Brazil.

Pedro Coimbra

A Public Policy Management student at the University of São Paulo (USP), he is committed to building public policies that create social impact. He works as an intern on Fundação Lemann’s Brand and Positioning team, where he believes in the power of aligning communication and public policy to drive structural change in Brazil. He believes in the power of politics to change realities and in the importance of strategic communication to strengthen impactful initiatives.

Leticia Biaggioni

She holds a degree in International Relations and a master’s in Management and Public Policy from FGV. She has worked with nonprofit organizations in the fields of education and public safety. Passionate about books, TV series, and playing the ukulele, she’s full of life — and never misses a birthday celebration!

Kelly Ferreira

She holds a degree in Public Relations but discovered a passion for finance along the way, later specializing in the field at FGV. She once had the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World Resort. She values the freedom to change whenever she feels inspired and believes that education is the foundation of everything.

Thais Chao

She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo (USP) and dreams of helping build a fairer Brazil. Before joining Lemann Foundation, she won a hackathon, founded her own startup, and took part in the Burger King trainee program. She loves playing soccer and spending time with her family and friends.

Jaqueline Zacharias

Born in São Paulo and mother to Sophia, she is pure energy. With a degree in Business Administration and a specialization in Education, she is driven by a genuine passion for creating social impact, always connecting people and championing diversity.

Barbara Panseri

She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration (FGV), a Bachelor’s in International Relations (USP), and a specialization in Advocacy and Public Policy (FGV). Passionate about public policy and social impact projects, she has worked in the public sector, the nonprofit field, and private consulting. An advocate for the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, she is dedicated to strengthening public management initiatives. A former city council candidate in São Paulo (2020), she has been part of Lemann Foundation since 2021. She loves carnival, enjoys games, lives in Brasília, and often escapes to the Chapada dos Veadeiros.

Marina Medeiros

Marina holds a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing a master’s in Public Administration at FGV, with academic exchanges at the University of Cologne in Germany and ESADE in Barcelona. Passionate about public policy management, she has coordinated the integrated planning of São Paulo City Hall departments to deliver key programs and projects. On Lemann Foundation’s Leaders Network team, she works to strengthen connections and accelerate the professional journeys of leaders committed to social impact.

Luciana Novaes

With over 12 years of experience in communications for social impact, Luciana serves as Brand and Positioning Manager at Fundação Lemann. She holds a degree in Advertising from Belas Artes and is deeply committed to social causes. She has completed two postgraduate programs, the most recent at PUC-RS, in Human Rights, Social Responsibility, and Global Citizenship.

Nathalia Bustamante

Originally from southern Minas Gerais, she loves coffee, yoga, and random documentaries. She holds a master’s degree in Education Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s in Journalism from UFJF. She previously served as editor of the Estudar Fora and Na Prática platforms and led the Education team at Fundação Estudar. She is currently responsible for university relations at Lemann Foundation.

Tiago Maluta

An engineer by training, but an educator at heart. He believes in the transformative power of technology to improve education in Brazil and works to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from it.

Mariana Cropalato

Mariana is from Bahia and holds a degree in Business Administration from UFBA, with a specialization in Sustainability and Public Policy. Passionate about politics, music, and, above all, people, she is a world traveler who found her purpose in public management. She strives to foster diversity in the spaces where she works, always designing projects focused on inclusion and social impact. She believes in the power of community, in doing things differently, and in the collective responsibility to drive change.

André Liboreiro

Born and raised in Cordisburgo, Minas Gerais — the hometown of writer Guimarães Rosa — André is a proud product of Brazil’s public education system. A math teacher and engineer, he is passionate about racial equity, diversity, inclusion, and innovative teaching practices. He is part of the alumni network of Ensina Brasil and Teach For All.

Guilherme Cintra

Guilherme Cintra is the Director of Innovation and Technology at Fundação Lemann. An economist with a degree from PUC-RJ, he began his career teaching mathematics to students from communities near the university. He was a partner at Gera Capital and held leadership roles in schools, school networks, and in strategy and new business areas at Eleva Educação. He also served as Coordinator of Innovation and Technology at Rio de Janeiro’s Department of Education, where he developed programs such as the Ginásios Tecnológicos and the Olimpíada Carioca de Matemática. Today, he is dedicated to expanding the quality of public education in Brazil through the use of technology in school networks.

Jessica Vaitanan

She holds a degree in International Relations and worked in commercial diplomacy at the Consulate of Denmark, where she developed an education project — and discovered her passion for the field and its power to transform lives. She has been with Lemann Foudation for over seven years and finds energy in contributing to the transformation of Brazil and the lives of Brazilians. Mother to Pedro and completely devoted to him, she loves the beach, playing volleyball, reading, cooking, and traveling with friends and family.

Denis Mizne

A lawyer with a degree from the University of São Paulo (USP), he was a visiting scholar at Columbia University and a Yale World Fellow at Yale University. He is the founder and chair of the board of Instituto Sou da Paz, and serves on the boards of Fundação Roberto Marinho and GIFE (the Group of Institutes, Foundations, and Companies).

Cosme Bispo

His mission is to connect and empower leaders who help build a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable Brazil. He manages a network of over 700 people from government, civil society, social entrepreneurship, and the private sector, as part of one of Brazil’s leading philanthropic organizations, leading a team of four professionals. His professional background spans capital markets, real estate, strategic philanthropy, and initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) practices. He holds a degree in Economics from Ibmec Rio de Janeiro, an MBA in Project Management from the University of São Paulo (USP), and a specialization in Leadership and Innovation from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is currently pursuing an MBA at Fundação Dom Cabral.

Maria Silvia Cabral Trabulsi

Passionate about basketball and a regular at live shows, she holds degrees in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo (USP) and Social Sciences from PUC-SP. She discovered in entrepreneurial education a way to bring these worlds together, having worked at Endeavor before joining Lemann Foundation. Today, she dreams of a Brazil where everyone has access to the kind of education she received — one that broadens horizons and transforms lives.

Alessandra Benedito

Diversity Coordinator at FGV Law School, researcher, and professor. She holds a PhD in Political and Economic Law, with specializations in management, education, and civil procedure. She serves as an advisor on racial equity initiatives and works as a speaker and consultant on diversity and inclusion.

Natasha Macedo

Curious and passionate about learning, she is interested in technology, running, and travel. She holds a degree in Humanities and Sciences from the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), with specializations in Business Management from FIA and Public Policy from Insper, and is currently pursuing a master’s in Public Administration and Policy Management at FGV. She has experience in product and business development, as well as digital transformation in the financial sector. Having studied in public schools throughout her life, she believes deeply in the transformative power of education to change lives.

Nubia Novais

Born in São Paulo to a Northeastern family, she holds a degree in Translation and Interpretation and chose the executive field to build her professional path. To contribute to a fairer and more humane Brazil, she volunteered for four years with Cidadão Pró-Mundo and now works as an Executive Assistant at Lemann Foundation. Mother to two-year-old Olívia, she takes pride in working for an organization committed to making Brazil a more just country. Nubia proudly embraces her cringe side and doesn’t hide her love for the Harry Potter series.