He embarked on a transformative journey to Brazil, immersing himself in the heart of the Atlantic Forest. There, he witnessed firsthand the environmental degradation caused since the colonial era, which deepened his commitment to nature preservation.

During his three years in Brazil, José engaged closely with local communities, understanding their culture and challenges. He volunteered with NGOs like Terra UNA and participated in cultural integration activities, forging bonds with indigenous tribes and gaining invaluable insights.

Inspired by the resilience of local communities and the urgent need for environmental action, José founded Alma e Natureza. His diverse background, ability to forge strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources are crucial to the organization's success. Looking ahead, José envisions Alma e Natureza as a catalyst for global change, inspiring a new era of environmental care and sustainable development. Through strategic alliances and innovative initiatives, his goal is to expand the reach of Alma e Natureza, empower local communities, and create a legacy of environmental restoration.

Prior to founding Alma e Natureza, he had nearly 30 years of professional experience in the Retail, Insurance, Banking, and Financial Services Industry, both nationally and internationally.

Trilingual in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. He also has played a pivotal role in establishing strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. He has collaborated with internal teams to develop programs and initiatives that address the unique needs and interests of diverse communities in remote areas. Eugenio has also been actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives, contributing to the promotion of equality and cultural competence within the organization.

Earlier in his career, he has held various roles streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving team performance. His expertise in quality assurance, team management, and business operations has consistently driven growth and client satisfaction. With his diverse skills and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Eugenio is poised to make a significant impact working with Alma e Natureza.

...of degraded mangroves in the Guanabara Bay, for the Ondazul Institute, where she served as president from 2006 to 2018.

Co-founder of Ecovila Terra Una, where she is dedicated to Education for Sustainability, Permaculture, Agroforestry, and other ecological practices. Her work includes participation in the Agroecology movement and collaboration with the Ecological Network, promoting the appreciation of small farmers and the creation of urban gardens in Rio de Janeiro. As an educator and coordinator of the Gaia Education Design for Sustainability, Antonia has conducted 22 programs in RJ, SP, and MG, and now seeks to offer this training to those without financial resources. Her journey is marked by a strong advocacy for women, education for sustainability, and basic sanitation, always with the goal of creating public policies that improve quality of life and address global environmental crises.

For Alma e Natureza, the partnership would represent not only a union of forces in combating environmental challenges but also an opportunity to apply and expand her experience in environmental recovery and sustainability projects.

...from 2014 to 2022 and as President of COOPANEST-RIO (Anesthesia Cooperative of Rio de Janeiro).

Born and raised in a city within the Atlantic Forest biome, Dr. Dias has been visiting the Serra da Mantiqueira for more than 40 years. He brings with him a vast knowledge in the field of medicine and a compassionate approach to our organization. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and his dedication to improving health make him an invaluable member of Alma e Natureza.

Since 2016, she has been a certified coach, coach-mentor, and coach-supervisor. She holds the PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation and the ESIA certification from the European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC), reinforcing her commitment towards ethics.Her coaching practice has an outstanding track record of supporting teams and organizations in transforming their work culture toward a more intentional and collaborative approach. This drives sustainable change while strengthening leadership and fostering collective intelligence.

Her experience with non-profits includes mentoring youth from disadvantaged communities. From 2018 to 2020, she served as chair of the board of directors for Y No Había Luz, Inc., an arts and cultural organization in Puerto Rico. During her tenure, the organization achieved significant milestones, including a participatory restructuring of the board, a successful tour in New York, and securing third place in the national EnteRPrize competition in 2019—a notable accomplishment for the cultural sector. As an adjunct professor at the Universidad del SagradoCorazón, she inspires her students to realize their potential and develop self-awareness, while fostering a commitment to social responsibility and ethical values.

Natalia's leadership style is characterized by her empathy, creativity, and ability to generate deep connections. Clients and colleagues value her ability to create transformative spaces where people discover and harness their full talents. As a founding board member of Alma e Natureza, she is deeply committed to facilitating thoughtful, creative conversations that inspire positive change and promote collective well-being.

Currently the founder of Visions Bridge LLC, Olga provides consulting services to for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise includes strategic business consulting, business development, organizational transformation, and fractional support.

Previously, she served as President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, where she spearheaded a $40 million blended-finance construction deal and expanded the organization’s reach to impact over 15,000 individuals annually through early childhood education, workforce development, and afterschool services. She also led the creation of Puerto Rico’s first charter school, demonstrating her ability to innovate in complex environments.

In the corporate arena, Olga held the role of Managing Director at Sam's Club Puerto Rico, overseeing $1.2 billion in annual sales and leading a team of over 3,000 employees. Her initiatives championed small businesses through entrepreneurship programs, reflecting her unwavering belief in the power of people and communities.

As a mission advancement consultant for global organizations such as World Youth Clubs and a proud board member of the Darjo Foundation, Olga continues to advocate for sustainable change. Her values—Service, Accountability, Trust, Courage, and Forward Thinking—align seamlessly with Alma e Natureza’s mission to empower women and promote environmental sustainability.

A dynamic keynote speaker and strategic advisor, Olga is passionate about integrating visionary ideas with practical execution to achieve tangible outcomes. Her involvement with Alma e Natureza is rooted in her commitment to leaving a meaningful legacy and inspiring future generations to dream, integrate, and achieve.