Ana Cecilia Sousa

Founded Cruzando Fronteiras, an initiative focused on expanding access to international education for low-income students and underrepresented groups Mentored 60+ people in international academic applications, with admitted students at Lund University (Sweden), University of Washington (USA), University of Bristol (UK), and University College Dublin (Ireland, with scholarship), and one mentee receiving the SISGP scholarship, the most competitive in Sweden for global professionals Designed an individualized mentoring methodology combining strategic planning, emotional strengthening, and addressing impostor syndrome and belonging barriers Served mentees across Brazil and Latin America, including Colombia and Guatemala. Created an e-book and website with accessible, practical resources on studying abroad, reaching hundreds of students Applies research on psychological barriers, race, gender, and coloniality in access to international education, directly drawn from Master's dissertation at Lund University

Plan and deliver online English classes to over 40 students, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, with a focus on proficiency exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge. Developed an inclusive class specifically for low-income students, creating an accessible and motivating learning environment. Adapt materials and methodologies to meet the specific needs and interests of each student, ensuring higher engagement and concrete results. Proven success in helping 3 students pass the Military Police (PM) entrance exam in Brazil in 2023 and 2025, highlighting my ability to prepare learners for specific challenges. Provide individualized support that has helped students achieve academic and professional goals, expanding their international opportunities.

Key support and implementation of Career Labs, Virtual Development Assignment Program sessions, and the Learning Pathways for 2030 program, enhancing access to career development resources and strategic partnerships with Coursera. SPARK Program Mentoring and Supervisor Coordinator, focused on women's leadership, engaging 500+ alumni, supporting 129 participants, and crafting tools like a Supervisor SharePoint site and supervision guides. Responsible for the monthly Career Development Newsletter, and disseminating career resources to a global audience. Producing content for the UN Career Journey Podcast, including interviews in English and the first-ever interview in Portuguese. Presenter and facilitator for UNDP Global Mentoring Program Open Hour sessions and other initiatives, while providing multilingual translation (English, Spanish, Portuguese).

Increased program engagement through efficient support focused on aligning security strategic interests of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Brazilian Armed Forces. Enhanced communication and coordination by serving as primary point of contact between Military Liaison Office and the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, facilitating regular engagement on defense topics and joint activities with U.S. and Brazilian counterparts. Streamlined financial operations as card holder, achieving accurate fund tracking, reconciliation, and responsible procurement of office supplies, optimizing resource utilization.

Coordination of bilateral and multilateral cooperation events, exercises, and meetings, between the U.S. Air Force and the Brazilian Air Force, and Ministry of Defense. Advanced communication with the Brazilian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense, and the Brazilian Federal agencies.

Financial management and oversight of about £1 million worth of Education and Health Bilateral International Cooperation programs under the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office Prosperity Fund in Brazil. Organized and executed high-impact events, increasing program visibility and stakeholder engagement. Supported the training of over 3,000 teachers, expanding access to quality English education across various regions of Brazil. Facilitated the implementation of public health services, benefiting vulnerable communities with improved and accessible care. Strengthened development cooperation by aligning strategic objectives between the UK and Brazil to generate sustainable social impact.

Administrative support for the implementation of international cooperation projects under the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office Prosperity Fund in Brazil.

Information gathering for contacts database and organization of UNODC's archive and general administrative support to the office.

Two-week course.