25 years ago, Valéria Souza began a journey that would transform her life and the lives of thousands of people. Her story is intertwined with that of the Ramacrisna Institute, one of the best NGOs in Brazil, and an example of professional growth and social impact.
Her first contact with Ramacrisna was through her ex-husband, an instructor and former student of the institution. Valéria saw this as an opportunity that opened doors for her professional career.
In 1999, Valéria took her first steps at the Institute, working as a freelancer on event stands. Her organization and commitment caught the attention of the staff and her potential was soon recognized. “I was in charge of the stands, promoting the Institute, closing the books every day and sending in weekly expense reports. My organization caught the attention of the then president,” she recalls.
A few months later, she took part in a selection process and, in August 2000, she was hired as a telephone operator and secretary to the board of directors. It was a challenging period, when resources were scarce, but that didn’t stop her development. “I arrived without much experience, but I was welcomed by colleagues who taught me a lot,” she says.
Little by little, Valéria built a solid career, overcoming challenges and growing within the Institute. Even in the face of remarkable personal moments, such as the arrival of her daughter Beatriz the following year, she received full support from everyone to keep going. “I was afraid that my pregnancy would affect my professional career, but Ramacrisna has always provided a welcoming environment. I was able to return to work safely and was welcomed with great joy by everyone,” she says.
Years later, Beatriz also went through the Institute, taking part in the Jovem de Futuro course, the Adolescent Apprentice Program and the Antenados production company, where she was featured in an audiovisual project. She also had the opportunity to work at Futurarte – a women’s cooperative where she learned various administrative routines.
In 2008, Valéria joined the Ramacrisna Institute’s controllership team, further expanding her knowledge. In 2021, she lost her mother to complications from Covid-19. It was a delicate time, because in addition to the loss, she was dealing with the symptoms of the disease that also affected her. But despite the difficulties, she found support and welcome at the Institute. The same support she received in 2024, when she lost her father.
Over the years, Valéria has worked in various sectors within the NGO, accumulating valuable experience and knowledge that has led her to where she is today. The profession has also given her new personal experiences. Like her first airplane flight. “That was an important milestone for me. In 2024, the Institute sent me to a corporate event in São Paulo. A major corporate event which, as well as providing me with a wealth of new knowledge and meeting important people I admire, allowed me to take my first plane trip. It was a wonderful trip in so many ways that I’m speechless,” she says.
She currently coordinates the Ramacrisna Development and Technology Office, which was set up in October 2024 with the aim of implementing innovative solutions to improve the institution’s services.
But her greatest achievement came through education. Thanks to Ramacrisna, she had the opportunity to study Financial Management, financed by the Institute, a postgraduate course, and also a PDD – the Dom Cabral Foundation’s Management Development Program. “I owe all my academic and professional training to Ramacrisna. They were years of learning, growth and many achievements,” she says with gratitude.
This evolution was also accompanied by growth in the institution’s infrastructure. “In the beginning, we worked with dial-up internet and limited equipment. Today, we have state-of-the-art technology and a first-rate structure,” she compares.
Even though she doesn’t work directly with the public, Valéria feels that she is a fundamental part of this great mission. Over these 25 years, she has seen the lives of countless students transformed, from children to successful professionals.
“I’ve seen many projects come to life here. When I started, there was only one vocational course in car mechanics. Today, we have dozens of courses, such as motorcycle mechanics, welding, electrical, robotics and many others. “ he says proudly.
Looking back on her own journey, Valéria reflects on what the Ramacrisna Institute represents in her life. “I was a young apprentice even before the program was created. Ramacrisna will always be part of my life, and my journey here is a story of love, dedication and transformation. I’m immensely grateful for every opportunity I’ve had and will still have here, for me it’s much more than just a job, it’s a mission!” she concludes.
Like Valéria, many other stories of overcoming and growth are built daily at Ramacrisna. And you too can be part of this chain of good! Get to know our projects and help transform lives with one of the best NGOs in Brazil.
