Top 6 Purpose-Driven Leaders from RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro, a city of stunning contrasts—where vibrant samba rhythms meet the serene beauty of its iconic beaches, and the bustling streets pulse with life against the backdrop of towering mountains. But Rio is more than just its postcard-perfect landscapes and carnival celebrations. Beneath the surface, this city is home to a new generation of leaders who are harnessing its dynamic energy to drive change. These purpose-driven entrepreneurs are blending the spirit of Rio with a commitment to social impact, creating businesses that not only thrive but also uplift their communities.

Here are six inspiring leaders from Rio de Janeiro who are redefining success by weaving purpose into the very fabric of their ventures.

Katia Barros – Co-founder, FARM Rio

Turning vibrant fashion into a force for good.

Makaani Nominee for: Revolutionizing Brazilian fashion with a commitment to environmental sustainability and community support. Katia Barros is a visionary in Brazil’s fashion scene. As the co-founder of FARM Rio, a brand known for its vibrant, joyful designs, she has made waves far beyond the runway. Under Katia’s leadership, FARM Rio has embraced sustainability as a core value, launching initiatives like reforestation projects and partnerships with indigenous communities. She’s a firm believer that fashion can be a force for good, not just in style, but in making a meaningful difference.

Edu Lyra – Founder, Gerando Falcões

Empowering dreams and breaking barriers in Brazil’s favelas.

Makaani Nominee for: Transforming lives in Brazil’s favelas through education and empowerment, breaking cycles of poverty with opportunity. Edu Lyra is a beacon of hope for many living in Brazil’s favelas. He founded Gerando Falcões, an organization that offers education, sports, and vocational training to help break the cycle of poverty. Edu’s mission is to create opportunities for young people to dream big and reach their potential, transforming not just their lives but the future of their communities.

Edu shares: "The only way to break the cycle of poverty is through education and opportunity. Gerando Falcões is about empowering young people to dream big and achieve their potential."

David Hertz – Founder, Gastromotiva

Cooking up change, serving new beginnings.

Makaani Nominee for: Utilizing gastronomy as a powerful tool for social inclusion, providing culinary training to marginalized communities. David Hertz is revolutionizing the culinary world with his social enterprise, Gastromotiva. He uses food as a tool for social change, training individuals from underserved communities in culinary skills that open doors to employment and better lives. David’s vision goes beyond the kitchen—he’s building a movement that uses gastronomy to address social issues and promote inclusivity.

David explains: "Food is a powerful tool for transformation. Through Gastromotiva, we’re not just teaching people how to cook; we’re giving them the skills to create a better future for themselves and their families."

Beatriz Luz – Founder, Exchange 4 Change Brasil

Designing a sustainable future through circular economy principles.

Makaani Nominee for: Advancing Brazil’s adoption of the circular economy to ensure sustainable development and waste reduction. Beatriz Luz is at the forefront of Brazil’s shift towards a circular economy. Through her organization, Exchange 4 Change Brasil, she works to implement sustainable practices that reduce waste and create a more resilient, resource-efficient economy. Beatriz is driven by a vision of a future where nothing is wasted, and everything has value—a future she’s actively helping to build.

Beatriz believes: "The circular economy is the future. We must move away from the throwaway culture and towards a system where resources are valued and reused."

Rio de Janeiro is more than just a city of breathtaking views and lively festivals; it’s a place where purpose-driven leaders are making a lasting impact. These entrepreneurs are channeling Rio’s unique energy into ventures that not only succeed in business but also uplift their communities. As they continue to lead with purpose, they inspire others to join them in creating a better, more equitable world

Gigi Barreto - Casavida Cenario

Makaani Nominee for: Revolutionizing sustainable living through innovative, eco-friendly design at Casavida Cenario.

As the Creative Director of Casavida Cenario, Gigi Barreto is shaping the future of sustainable design in Rio de Janeiro and beyond. Her work blends creativity with responsibility, focusing on circular economy principles that emphasize the repurposing of materials to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. Through her visionary approach, Gigi is redefining how spaces are designed, ensuring that beauty and sustainability go hand in hand.

Under her leadership, Casavida Cenario has become a beacon for eco-conscious design, using materials in innovative ways to create aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible settings. Gigi's philosophy centers on the idea that great design can have a positive impact on both people and the planet, making sustainability accessible and engaging.

Gigi believes: "Design has the power to transform not just spaces, but also our relationship with the environment. Circular economy principles are the key to a future where waste is minimized and creativity thrives."