Forbes Brasil

Featured in Forbes: My Journey to Democratize Education in Brazil

In 2020, Forbes Brazil published a special report highlighting 12 professionals who are revolutionizing education in the country through innovation, technology, and impact. I was honored to be one of them.

The article was part of a broader movement within the Brazilian edtech scene, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years. According to data from the innovation hub Distrito, more than 400 edtech startups now operate in Brazil — over half of them founded in the last five years. With increasing investment and attention, the sector became a strategic pillar in addressing inequality through scalable, tech-driven education solutions. It was in this context that Forbes spotlighted individuals helping to reshape the future of education in Latin America.

Below is a translated and summarized version of my profile featured in the piece:

From Personal Struggles to Purpose-Driven Innovation

Although it may seem paradoxical, I dropped out of my Electrical Engineering degree at a federal university during the final semesters to follow a lifelong dream: making quality education accessible to millions.

This drive stems from my childhood. I began my studies in a private school thanks to my mother’s job as a public servant. But after an entrepreneurial venture failed, she lost her job and we faced years of financial instability. I was transferred to a public school, but the contrast left a lasting impression. My mother, despite never returning to formal work, continued teaching me at home — shaping my deep appreciation for learning.

A self-proclaimed nerd, I studied Electronics in technical school and started working as a freelance designer. While still in university, I took a short course in web design, which led me to open a small agency — and eventually, I began offering services to MeSalva!, an edtech platform focused on high-performance educational content for students.

In 2014, I joined MeSalva! as a full-time team member. Today, I'm the CTO and a partner of the company, proud to help lead a platform that impacts over 1 million students every month. My role goes beyond managing the technology team — I contribute to strategic decisions that define our mission.

I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of technology, education, and accessibility, and I actively support inclusive initiatives like Afropython, a project teaching programming to Afro-Brazilian youth.

For me, innovation isn’t just about building disruptive solutions — it’s about connecting ideas across disciplines to solve meaningful problems. My mission is already in motion: to break down social and economic barriers and bring quality education to all.