On International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, stories of courage, reinvention, and autonomy gain even greater visibility. In different contexts and stages of life, women have been transforming personal challenges into opportunities for professional growth, often driven by the search for financial independence, personal fulfillment, and better working conditions.
Recent data shows that this movement is not isolated. A study by the DataCamp platform reveals that 52% of Brazilian women consider making a career transition in the future, a slightly higher percentage than that observed among men (49%). The figure indicates a growing willingness among women to reassess professional paths and seek new opportunities.
At the same time, this change in direction often arises in response to structural barriers that are still present in the job market. A report on leadership in the workplace, conducted by the consulting firm Todas Group in partnership with Nexus – Research and Data Intelligence, points out that 83% of women report having faced barriers to professional growth, while only a small portion manage to reach top leadership positions.
Currently, the search for professional qualification has become an important strategy for expanding opportunities, developing new skills, and strengthening female entrepreneurship. In the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, free training initiatives have contributed to this process. Among them are the professional courses offered by the Ramacrisna Institute, which works in technical training and entrepreneurship development, offering courses in administrative areas, management, beauty, and other fields.
More than teaching a profession, these courses become spaces for discovering talents, strengthening self-esteem, and building new life projects. According to the vice-president of the Ramacrisna Institute, Solange Bottaro, promoting female leadership is a permanent commitment of the institution and is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the agenda aimed at expanding gender equality and opportunities for women. “Strengthening women’s leadership is essential for building a fairer society with more opportunities. Here, we work so that every woman has access to education, professional training, and the tools necessary to develop her potential. Our free courses are a gateway for many of them to achieve financial independence, start their own businesses, or position themselves more confidently in the job market,” she emphasizes.
At the Ramacrisna Institute, these stories multiply daily in classrooms and workshops where women find opportunity, training, and, above all, the confidence to transform their life paths. Whether to enter the job market, make a career transition, or earn extra income, the training offered by the institution has become a real bridge to new beginnings.
From health to business
For many women, entrepreneurship is born from personal experiences. This was the case for chef Karina Vieira Alves, a resident of Sarzedo, who turned a dietary restriction into a business opportunity.
About 20 years ago, Karina discovered a food intolerance that completely changed her relationship with food. Passionate about sweets, she had to give up that habit for health reasons until she discovered, during an online exchange with entrepreneurs from Chile, an artisanal technique capable of transforming fresh fruits into natural sweet rolls, without added sugar.
The discovery gave rise to Ksabores, a brand that today produces natural fruit rolls, fruit bars, and dehydrated fruits. In addition to its healthy proposal, the business also has a strong commitment to sustainability by reusing fruits that would otherwise be discarded by local establishments. “We transform what would be waste into flavor, life, and health. We want to show that sweets can be nutritious, beautiful, and delicious,” Karina says.
To structure the business, she sought training in gastronomy, completed the entrepreneurship course offered by the Ramacrisna Institute, and took additional courses. The knowledge gained in strategic planning, finance, and digital marketing helped professionalize the company and organize the brand’s growth. “Seeking training is essential. Starting small, learning continuously, and believing in your own potential makes all the difference,” she advises.
From burnout to professional rediscovery
Another story marked by reinvention is that of entrepreneur Simone Patricia, creator of the brand For Me Aromas, which specializes in fragrances, perfumes, and handmade soaps.
After facing a period of depression and burnout, Simone received a recommendation from her therapist to look for an activity completely different from the routine she had been living. What began as a form of therapy eventually turned into a new professional path.
Two years ago, she decided to leave her job and invest in something that had previously been only a hobby: producing artisanal aromas and cosmetics. “Working with aromas brought back the pleasure of taking care of myself and others. To care for others, you first need to be well,” she says.
Participating in entrepreneurship courses at Ramacrisna was essential to structuring her business, especially in the areas of planning and financial organization. With support to invest in raw materials, packaging, and structure, Simone was able to professionalize her production. “Today I am happy, fulfilled, and healed. I am another woman,” she says.
You can achieve your independence too
If you, like Karina and Simone, want to gain professional training and achieve your independence, the Ramacrisna Institute can help you. Visit the website and check out the available courses.
