Hernani da Silva is addressing the social and economic exclusion of blacks in Brazil by combating racism within Brazil's fastest-growing religious segment: evangelical churches. He is building bridges to the secular Black Movement and government. Hernani is also launching human rights campaigns and...
Read moreMaria Teresa Romeiro Leal, who works with seamstresses in a Brazilian slum, reveals two realities about business and poverty: first, workshops owned by poor women can compete in the world of haute couture; and second, making quality goods is the best way for poor women to find business partners...
Read moreGuillaume Bapst is revolutionizing the way low income households access and purchase food. In an attempt to improve the food distribution system in France, where access is often slow and bureaucratic, choices are limited, and quality and nutritional value are low, Guillaume has built a network of...
Read moreSonia Coutinho
Ashoka Fellow since Sep 1994
In the state of Bahia, in the northeast of Brazil, Sonia Coutinho has developed a center for arts and alternative education for adolescents with moderate learning disabilities that is remarkably effective in aiding their transition from school to productive employment and facilitating their...
Read moreMariana Incarnato envisions a society where young people see themselves as positive contributors. Focusing on cultivating their confidence and skills with a range of coaches, mentors and company employers, Mariana is helping them transition successfully to adulthood.
Read moreJosé Oliveira, called Júnior, creates, produces and markets the vibrant culture of Brazil's urban shantytown favelas for the express purpose of building cultural pride and creating positive new livelihoods for favela kids.
Read moreBy teaching practical culinary and social skills, Simone Berti is preparing individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to assimilate into society and be self-sufficient.
Read moreAmid escalating violence and deepening poverty, youth in the slums of Brazil’s major cities find themselves surrounded by dangers and temptations, alienated from the rest of their society. Isabel Aparecida dos Santos, better known as Bel, enables these youth to lead their communities and gain access...
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