LÍVIA MARIA SOUZA DA SILVA
BRAZIL, 17
She/Her
Project: Levanta Jovem
In December 2020, Lívia was selected to participate as a U.S. Embassy Youth Ambassador, which connected her to young leaders from across Brazil trying to solve problems in their communities. The experience made Lívia fully realize the potential of young people to create change. However, in Lívia’s community in Capanema, Pará, young people didn’t have access to opportunities in social entrepreneurship and leadership development. In February 2021, Lívia founded Levanta Jovem to help young people in Northern Brazil become leaders of change in their communities. Levanta Jovem offers young people mentorship, training and workshops to develop leadership skills such as public speaking, teamwork, project development, business management, and self-knowledge, in the context of social impact. They also work with a network of professionals and experts who help lead workshops and act as formal mentors. At the end of each workshop series, participants give a final presentation realizing their ideas into a community impact project. In December 2021, Lívia was selected as an Ashoka Changemaker to be an Amazonian Ambassador for youth impact. She is presently developing Levanta Jovem’s own Ambassador Program so young people can lead initiatives across Brazil and establish Levanta Jovem at their schools. She believes every young person should have the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.