Laiz Soares has 10 years of  experience in high impact project management, covering topics such as government and institutional relations, fundraising and people management. Laiz led the campaign of Congresswoman Tabata Amaral, who received 250,000 votes, the sixth most of any congresswoman in Brazil. Laiz founded the women's empowerment projects '"Nenhuma Mulher a Menos" (No Women Less) and "Elas Por Divinópolis" (Woman for Divinópolis). 

Laiz studied International Relations at PUC Minas and Administration and Marketing at ESSCA in France. She also studied Leadership, Project Management, Communication and Governmental Relations at Isper, FAAP, and Falconi, in São Paulo. Laiz's experience includes serving as Operations Supervisor at FedEx Express and Innovation Project Manager at Fundação Brava.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Programming Futures

Thirty women participated in classes focusing on social, emotional and technical content in the business market. Classes were offered in technology, finance, social-emotional and entrepreneurship. Participants gained greater interview preparation, a higher self-esteem, and a better perception of their skills. The project addressed the lack of opportunities for vulnerable women in Brazil and the invisibility they face in politics and society. It showed politicians, policymakers and government leaders that it is worth preparing women for the job market. The project also served as a future case study for microcredit banking, which has proven to be very effective in many underdeveloped countries.

“Before the course, I didn't have a vision about the world of work, and I didn't know a way to save money. Going into the course was very important for me to understand more about the working world. I had several tips on how to make my website and so it was essential for me to get the job I am in today.”- Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Laiz participated in the IVLP Project Promoting a Prosperous, Safe, and Democratic Future, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with WorldBoston, WorldDenver, Global Ties Miami.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Boston MA

Country: Brazil

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