Rafaela Maria Mendes de Souza

Rafaela was born in São Paulo, Brazil. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo through a federal study grant, the University for All Program (PROUNI in Portuguese). She has carried out an academic research about Rwandan legal measures to increase women's participation in politics after the genocide.

Rafaela has worked for four years at RAPS (The Network of Political Action for Sustainability), managing the production and execution of foundational courses in order to provide support to Brazilian political leaders’ action, prioritizing themes related to politics (public management, electoral campaigns and others) and sustainability (environmental, social, and economic dimensions). Her mission is making the world a better place through education and encouraging youth engagement in local policy.