Y4N Role: Development Director
Location: Brasil
Pronouns: She/her
Languages: Portuguese, English & some Spanish
Connect: maria-paula@youth4nature.org
Favorite quote: “There are certain emotions in your body that not even your best friend can sympathise with, but you will find the right film or the right book, and it will understand you.” - Björk
Meet Maria, a passionate climate and nature activist from Brazil, dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions for social change. She holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Brasilia (UnB) and a Specialisation in Monitoring & Evaluation.
Over the past seven years, Maria has been actively involved in various human rights issues, supporting non-profit organisations across Latin America in achieving their programmatic goals. Her journey has taken her through different themes, including sustainable development and entrepreneurship at the United Nations Development Program, Early childhood and youth development at United Way, and global health with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative. In these roles, she primarily focused on resource mobilisation, advocacy, and partnership development.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Maria actively participated in numerous youth organisations and social movements in her hometown, Brasilia. She is currently committed to pushing for radical transformation in Brazilian drug policies.
Presently, at Youth4Nature, Maria serves as the Development Director, bringing her expertise in resource mobilisation, communication and partnership development to the team.
During her leisure time, you'll most likely find her basking under the sun near a water spot, be it lakes, rivers, or the sea! Exploring different veggie recipes is another passion she pursues when she's not by the water.