This presentation introduces two Brazilian institutions that are advancing educational access, social inclusion, and community empowerment in distinct yet complementary ways: Unifavela and the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES). The session highlights how education can serve as a powerful strategy for addressing racial, ethnic, and economic inequality. Unifavela is a socio-educational organization located in the Maré Complex, one of Rio de Janeiro's largest favela communities. Grounded in the belief that education is a practice of freedom, Unifavela promotes academic and non-academic knowledge, strengthens human and social rights, and creates opportunities for personal and professional development for residents of historically marginalized communities. The presentation also introduces the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), a leading public university committed to teaching, research, extension, and social responsibility. Through inclusive educational initiatives and community engagement, UFES contributes to expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and strengthening regional development. Together, these institutions demonstrate how partnerships between community organizations and public universities can foster educational equity, amplify marginalized voices, and promote transformative social change. Participants will gain insight into the Brazilian context and explore innovative approaches to reducing racial and ethnic economic inequality through education, collaboration, and community leadership.

Session Participants: 

1. Marina Aleixo, University of Minnesota

2. Fernanda Azevedo dos Santos, UniFavela

3. Beatriz Vitoria Santos de Oliveira, UniFavela

4. Karolina Soares de Araujo, UniFavela

5. Tamyres Batista Costa, Federal University of Espirito Santo

6. Kaio Nascimento Lima, Federal University of Espirito Santo

7. Rômulo Ferreira dos Santos, Federal University of Espirito Santo