Isabela Carvalho is the Director of Knowledge at Ashoka Changemakers, where she leads the development of learning programs and knowledge dissemination strategies that help individuals and organizations strengthen their capacity to create social impact. Her current work focuses on translating Ashoka’s knowledge, frameworks, and experience into accessible and practical initiatives that support sustainable, systemic change. With over a decade of experience at Ashoka Global and Ashoka Brazil, she has designed and led projects that have engaged thousands of participants across sectors, industries, and geographies, from conception and implementation to impact measurement and reporting. 

Isa believes that everyone has the agency to contribute to meaningful change and is particularly interested in how that agency can be mobilized toward a more just and equitable world. Her previous experience includes international development with the United Nations, youth empowerment through nonprofits and social businesses, and philanthropy, giving her a broad, cross-sector perspective on social impact and the different pathways through which change can happen. 

Originally from Rio de Janeiro and based in Washington, DC, she holds a BA in Journalism from Universidade Federal Fluminense in Brazil and an MA in Communication for Social Impact from the Universidad de Valladolid in Spain. In addition to her role at Ashoka, she serves on the Board of the think tank Washington-Brazil Office (WBO), and as a guest lecturer at higher education institutions.