I am a Law student from Recife, a city in the Northeast of Brazil. My city is wonderful - warm, sunny and very rich culturally. However, we face lots of social problems, among which are criminality, gender-based violence, poverty and social exclusion.

Very early in my life, I decided that these problems should not be ignored - but, in the contrary, we should do our best to try and solve them.

I am aware that this is not an early task. But I strongly believe that all of us are fundamental actors in social transformation. Therefore, I started working for the political, educational and social empowerment of youth - especially poverty-stricken youth or young women in vulnerable situations.

I have worked as a volunteer for non-profit organisations since I was 13 years old - teaching ballet to children from a poor community next to my school.
Since then, I became involved in various projects. I have given literature lessons to youth from difficult backgrounds, volunteered for the homeless, interned with governmental organisations that promoted the democratization of justice and acted for the approximation between the youth and the media.

2010 was a very special year to me. Because of my record of community service and social activism, I was selected to take part in some amazing international and national programs.

In the G(irls) 20 Summit (www.girlsandwomen), for example, I was selected as the Brazilian ambassador to speak up about gender inequality in my country and suggest ways to solve the problem.

These opportunities have proven to be amazing experiences, that empowered me to promote social change more consistently, as well as to face the world in a more comprehensive way.

I love learning of different cultures and languages and I strongly believe in the intercultural dialogue as a means of reducing violence and conflict.

Currently, I work as the Assistant Director for React & Change (www.reactandchangebr.com), a youth-led organization that promotes gender equality and youth empowerment in Brazil.

World Pulse is giving me the wonderful opportunity of the Voices of Our Future training in citizen journalism. It has been an amazing experience. I am learning much about writing, my community and myself.

I hope I can keep up my work and build my carreer upon promoting social justice, as well as youth and women empowerment.