About us

Sobre o Pacto

Pacto pela Democracia (Pact for Democracy) is a coalition of Brazilian civil society organizations dedicated to coordinating and strengthening the country’s pro-democracy ecosystem. Bringing together more than 200 organizations, Pacto is a nonpartisan and ideologically diverse coalition that unites actors from different fields around a shared commitment: defending and strengthening democracy.

Our mission is to counter authoritarian threats, uphold the Democratic Rule of Law, and contribute to the revitalization of Brazil’s democratic environment. We believe democracy must be more than a formal political system — it must be a living framework that guarantees rights, freedoms, and peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

Pacto was created in response to a period of growing distrust in democratic institutions and the weakening of democratic culture. It seeks to address a longstanding gap by working directly to strengthen the institutions and conditions that make progress on all other social agendas possible. We believe that without a strong and functional democratic system, no social achievement can be truly sustainable.

Our work is grounded in network-building, strategic communications, policy advocacy, political analysis, and the development of initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, improve public debate, and expand civil society’s capacity to respond to democratic risks and crises.

Rather than simply reacting to threats, we strive to anticipate challenges, promote democratic values, and help establish democracy as a non-negotiable principle in Brazilian society. At the same time, we share knowledge, methodologies, and strategies with international partners, contributing to the global pro-democracy movement at a time when democracies around the world face increasing pressure.

MISSION

To coordinate and strengthen organized civil society through collaborative action in order to continuously defend and advance democracy in Brazil.

VISION

We envision a society in which democratic rights, freedoms, and peaceful coexistence are protected by strong institutions and embraced by all people. We believe that the struggle for rights and freedoms depends on a healthy democracy, contributing to the construction of a more just, inclusive, and equitable country.

História do Pacto

Founded in 2018, the Pact for Democracy emerged as a broad-based coalition committed to strengthening, renewing, and protecting the pillars of democratic life in Brazil. Since then, it has become a leading platform for collaboration, bringing together organizations from diverse backgrounds around shared democratic values while promoting democratic culture, strengthening civil society, and encouraging public commitments to democracy.

Over the years, the Pact has established itself as one of Brazil’s leading voices in the defense of the Democratic Rule of Law. It has consistently monitored democratic risks and mobilized diverse actors to develop coordinated responses, particularly in the face of growing authoritarian threats and institutional crises.

During critical moments—including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent electoral cycles—the Pact expanded strategic alliances, connected organizations across sectors, and coordinated collective responses to protect both electoral integrity and public trust in democratic institutions. Its work has combined strategic action, knowledge production, and public engagement to strengthen democratic debate throughout Brazil.

More recently, the Pact has expanded its advocacy efforts by leading structural initiatives focused on ensuring accountability for attacks against democracy and for those involved in attempts to undermine Brazil’s constitutional order. It has also promoted institutional reforms designed to increase transparency and public participation in the Legislative Branch while broadening its international engagement by sharing methodologies, lessons learned, and strategies with organizations around the world.

Today, the Pact for Democracy stands as a central platform for coordinating Brazilian civil society. It responds to democratic crises, anticipates emerging challenges, and collaboratively develops long-term solutions to strengthen democracy, while increasingly serving as an international reference in democratic cooperation and defense.

Atuação em Rede

The Pact for Democracy serves as a platform for coordination and collective action in defense of democracy in Brazil, connecting civil society organizations around shared goals. In a context marked by institutional challenges and rapid political change, the Pact seeks to strengthen coordination, expand collective response capacity, and generate greater impact through collaboration among diverse actors.

Atuação em Rede

Equipe

Flávia Pellegrino Vieira

Flávia Pellegrino Vieira

Executive Director

Flávia Pellegrino Vieira is Executive Director of the Pact for Democracy. For more than a decade, she has worked to coordinate and strengthen civil society networks dedicated to democracy and human rights. She actively participates in international initiatives focused on democratic cooperation and countering autocratization. She holds a degree in Journalism from PUC-SP and a Master's degree in Political Science from Sorbonne Nouvelle University.

E-mail de Flávia Pellegrino Vieira flavia@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
José Bruno Lima

José Bruno Lima

Institutional Manager

An advertising professional with a Master’s degree in Communication from the Federal University of Ceará, he has over 15 years of experience in communication planning, marketing, and content production, with a primary focus on campaigns and projects that drive impact and advocacy in the political, social, and environmental spheres.

E-mail de José Bruno Lima bruno@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Natália Neris

Natália Neris

Advocacy Manager

PhD in Human Rights from the University of São Paulo (USP), Master’s in Law and Development from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), and Bachelor’s in Public Policy Management from USP. She has over a decade of experience in public and private management and in public policy and human rights research. Throughout her career, she has worked at institutions including CEBRAP’s Center for Law and Democracy, InternetLab – Law and Technology Research Center, Twitter Brazil, Insper, and the Brazilian Federal Government, where she served at the National Secretariat for Drug Policy and Asset Management within the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

E-mail de Natália Neris natalia@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Andressa Almeida

Andressa Almeida

Communications Coordination

A journalist with a degree from the Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA) and a Master’s candidate in Digital Communication at the Brazilian Institute of Education, Development and Research (IDP), she works as a communications strategist in institutional and nonprofit settings. She previously served as Special Communications Advisor to Brazil’s Minister of Racial Equality and as Communications Coordinator at the Marielle Franco Institute, with experience in developing campaigns and institutional materials and coordinating with diverse stakeholders.

E-mail de Andressa Almeida andressa@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Carol Sant'Anna

Carol Sant'Anna

Executive Assistant

With a degree in Office Automation and Secretarial Studies from FATEC-SP, she has worked as an executive assistant since 2007. Throughout her career, she has supported directors and managers at organizations such as Fundação Roberto Marinho, Fundação Abrinq for the Rights of Children and Adolescents, and Oxfam Brazil.

E-mail de Carol Sant'Anna carol@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Fernanda Myato

Fernanda Myato

Graphic Designer

A graduate in Advertising and Graphic Design from PUC-Campinas, she specializes in branding, communication solutions, and brand development. She has experience working with civil society organizations, having provided communications consulting and developed an implementation plan for Geledés – Black Women’s Institute. She has also designed and created the visual layout of reports for organizations such as Movimento pela Base, Sankofa, and ActionAid, as well as visual identities for specific projects by Geledés and Casa Sueli Carneiro.

E-mail de Fernanda Myato fernanda@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Helena Salvador

Helena Salvador

Campaing Coordination

A journalist with a degree from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of the Republic in Uruguay. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Latin American Integration at the University of São Paulo (USP). Since 2019, she has worked in communications, press relations, and social media in the nonprofit sector, with experience at Politize!, Instituto Update, and UN Women Uruguay.

E-mail de Helena Salvador helena@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Maia Aguillera

Maia Aguillera

Advocacy Coordinator

A lawyer with a master’s degree in Sociology of Law from the University of São Paulo (USP) Law School, she has worked for more than 15 years at the intersection of law, public policy, and civic participation, with an emphasis on gender and human rights. She served as General Coordinator for Federative Affairs at the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship and headed the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Women.

Mariana Marques

Mariana Marques

Communications Analyst

A journalist with a degree from the University of São Paulo (USP), she works in communications, content production, and journalism, with a focus on sociopolitical issues. She has experience researching, writing, and editing stories about human rights, society, and democracy. She previously worked at Nexo Jornal, contributing to reporting and translation, and at the Vladimir Herzog Institute, supporting human rights education initiatives.

E-mail de Mariana Marques mariana@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Marjorie Lynn

Marjorie Lynn

Network Coordinator

A political scientist with a master’s degree in Political Science from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Management from the University of Brasília (UnB), and a postgraduate degree in Government Management and Public Policy from Ibmec. She has worked in public policy for more than ten years, with experience in federal and state governments, public management consulting, and civil society organizations. Her expertise includes political leadership development and training, public oversight, network engagement, and institutional coordination.

E-mail de Marjorie Lynn marjorie@pactopelademocracia.org.br
Sami Sternberg

Sami Sternberg

International Affairs Coordination

He holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Social Sciences from the University of Brasília (UnB). He has over 10 years of experience in institutional and political relations, advocacy, and management, focusing on human rights, democracy, and climate issues. He worked with the COP30 Presidency and at Aliança Brazil Office, and has also served as a grants manager at Casa Thomas Jefferson, in addition to holding positions in Brazilian federal executive branch agencies and diplomatic missions.

E-mail de Sami Sternberg sami@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com
Thais Scudelleti

Thais Scudelleti

Administrative Coordination

A business administration graduate from Centro Universitário São Camilo with a postgraduate degree in Financial Management and Controllership from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, she has over 10 years of experience in administrative and financial management. She specializes in controllership, treasury, and budget planning. Throughout her career, she has helped structure financial departments and implement policies, processes, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, with a strong track record in cost optimization and strategic support for senior management.

E-mail de Thais Scudelleti thaiss@powderblue-jellyfish-804251.hostingersite.com

Governança

Conselho Estratégico

Bruna Barros

Bruna Barros has more than 15 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as São Paulo State's Deputy Secretary for Entrepreneurship and Microcredit and as Special Advisor for Competitiveness, Productivity, and Entrepreneurship. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to strengthening democracy and advancing impactful public policies.

Caetano Scannavino

Caetano Scannavino

Caetano Scannavino is a social entrepreneur with nearly four decades of experience working in the Amazon region. He serves as Coordinator of Projeto Saúde & Alegria (Health & Happiness Project), having relocated to the Amazon in 1988 to help establish the organization's communications strategy. Since then, he has played a central role in its development and has become a leading voice on socio-environmental technologies, sustainable development, and the strengthening of Amazonian networks.

Francisco Brito Cruz

Francisco Brito Cruz

Francisco Brito Cruz is a lawyer, professor, and researcher recognized as one of Brazil's leading experts on digital platform regulation, internet governance, and electoral integrity. He founded and led InternetLab from 2014 to 2025 and holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of São Paulo (USP). His work focuses on the intersection of technology, democracy, human rights, and public policy.

Gabriel Sampaio

Gabriel Sampaio

Gabriel Sampaio serves as Director of Strategic Litigation and Advocacy at Conectas Human Rights. He holds a Master's degree in Social Relations Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP). He previously served as Secretary for Legislative Affairs and Acting Minister of Justice in Brazil and has been a member of several national councils dedicated to human rights and public security. His work focuses on promoting fundamental rights and strengthening the Democratic Rule of Law.

Laila Bellix

Laila Bellix is a specialist in open government, civic participation, and democratic innovation. Throughout her career, she has worked to strengthen the relationship between governments and society. She previously served as Director of Digital Participation and Network Communication in Brazil's Federal Government, was a strategist at Purpose's Democracy Lab, and co-founded the Open Government Institute. She currently collaborates with Instituto Cidade Democrática while conducting research on transparency and digital participation.

Mariana Evaristo

Mariana Evaristo

Mariana Evaristo is Executive Director of Teia de Criadores (Creators' Network). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and is currently pursuing a degree in Literature at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Her professional experience includes digital communications, content production, project management, and public affairs. She previously served as Executive Coordinator and Political Advocacy Coordinator at the Maria e João Aleixo Institute.

Raul Valle

Raul Valle is an environmental lawyer and one of Brazil's leading experts on environmental policy and territorial rights. He holds a Master's degree in Economic Law from the University of São Paulo (USP) and has worked with organizations including the Socioenvironmental Institute (ISA) and WWF-Brazil, in addition to holding leadership positions in public environmental administration. His career combines advocacy, legislative work, and the defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities.

Conselho Fiscal

Murilo Menezes

Murilo Menezes

Murilo Menezes is a General Partner at Positive Ventures, where he leads the firm's investment team and operations in San Francisco, supporting startups addressing social and environmental challenges, particularly in the climate sector. Previously, he worked at Maraé and built his career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Itaú BBA. He is also part of the World Economic Forum's network of experts on sustainable investing.

Vitória Moraes

Vitória Moraes

Vitória Moraes holds a Master's degree in Social Management and a Bachelor's degree in Economics. With more than fifteen years of experience, she has led financial and operational management for civil society organizations in Brazil and internationally. Her work includes coordinating social programs, managing partnerships with governments and international organizations, and serving on boards focused on social and environmental development. She is widely recognized for her expertise in institutional strengthening, multicultural team leadership, and organizational sustainability.

Assembleia

Ana Letícia Silva

Ana Letícia Silva

Ana Letícia Silva is an economist with a Master's degree in Territorial Planning and Management. For more than a decade, she has worked to strengthen networks, partnerships, and alliances across Brazil's civil society sector. Her experience includes program coordination, institutional development, and project management at organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Instituto Ethos, GIFE, and Agenda Pública. She has been actively involved with the Pact for Democracy since its founding in 2018.

Camila Asano

Camila Lissa Asano is Executive Director of Conectas Human Rights and has been part of the Pact for Democracy since its inception. A political scientist trained at the University of São Paulo (USP), she has built her career defending human rights, promoting democratic governance, and advancing international policy. She previously served on Brazil's National Human Rights Council and was awarded the Beth Lobo Women's Human Rights Prize.

Flávia Pellegrino

Flávia Pellegrino

Flávia Pellegrino Vieira is Executive Director of the Pact for Democracy. For more than a decade, she has worked to coordinate and strengthen civil society networks dedicated to democracy and human rights. She actively participates in international initiatives focused on democratic cooperation and countering autocratization. She holds a degree in Journalism from PUC-SP and a Master's degree in Political Science from Sorbonne Nouvelle University.

Helio  Santos

Helio de Souza Santos holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo (USP) and is one of Brazil's foremost advocates for racial equality. A pioneer in promoting affirmative action policies, he founded the Brazilian Institute for Diversity (IBD) and previously chaired the Baobá Fund for Racial Equity. He currently serves as Chair of the Boards of Oxfam Brazil and CEDRA.

José Marcelo Zacchi

José Marcelo Zacchi

José Marcelo Sallovitz Zacchi is a social entrepreneur, researcher, and public policy expert with more than 25 years of experience. He is the founder of the Pact for Democracy and has contributed to the creation and development of organizations such as Casa Fluminense, Instituto Sou da Paz, and the Brazilian Public Security Forum. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Manoela Miklos

Manoela Miklos

Manoela Salem Miklos is a Senior Researcher at the Brazilian Public Security Forum. She holds both Master's and Doctoral degrees in International Relations. Throughout her career, she has led projects at organizations including Instituto Polis, Instituto Alana, Conectas Human Rights, and Nossas, and has also worked with Open Society Foundations' Latin America Program. Her work focuses on democracy, human rights, and political participation.

Marcio Black

Marcio Ferreira de Araujo Junior serves as Director of Advocacy and Knowledge at Instituto Beja. A political scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo (USP), he works at the intersection of public policy, public security, advocacy, and cultural production. He is also the founder of Coletivo Sistema Negro, an initiative dedicated to connecting culture and anti-racist action.

Maria Alice Setubal

Maria Alice Setubal

Maria Alice Setubal is a sociologist with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and one of Brazil's leading voices in education, philanthropy, and social development. A founding member of the Pact for Democracy, she chairs the Tide Setubal Foundation and has held leadership positions at organizations including UNICEF, CENPEC, and GIFE. Her career has been dedicated to advancing equity and strengthening democracy.

Maria Sylvia Aparecida de Oliveira

Maria Sylvia Aparecida de Oliveira

Maria Sylvia Aparecida de Oliveira is a human rights lawyer specializing in gender, race, and ethnicity. She works at Geledés – Black Women's Institute, where she coordinates initiatives promoting racial equality and combating gender-based violence. She has also held leadership positions within the São Paulo Bar Association (OAB-SP).

Nicole Verillo

Nicole Verillo

Nicole Verillo Campello is a public governance specialist and co-founder of Transparency International Brazil. She leads initiatives focused on anti-corruption advocacy and institutional support. Her extensive experience includes strategic management, network building, and advocacy at organizations such as AMARRIBO Brasil, IDIS, and ABRACCI. She holds a degree in Public Policy Management from the University of São Paulo (USP).

Oded Grajew

Oded Grajew is a businessman, social activist, and one of the founders of the Pact for Democracy. Widely recognized as one of Brazil's most influential civil society leaders, he also founded organizations including Fundação Abrinq and Instituto Ethos and was one of the creators of the World Social Forum. His career has been dedicated to advancing social responsibility, citizenship, and democracy.

Oscar Vilhena Vieira

Oscar Vilhena Vieira

Oscar Vilhena Vieira is Professor of Law and Founding Director of FGV Law School (São Paulo). He is one of Brazil's foremost scholars in constitutional law, human rights, and democracy. A founding member of Conectas Human Rights, he previously served as a public prosecutor and currently participates in several national and international initiatives dedicated to strengthening the Rule of Law.

E-mail de Oscar Vilhena Vieira
LinkedIn de Oscar Vilhena Vieira
Pedro Kelson

Pedro Kelson Batinga de Mendonça is Executive Director of the Brazil-Israel Institute (IBI). For more than a decade, he has worked to defend and strengthen Brazilian democracy through civil society network-building, advocacy strategies, and the implementation of national and international campaigns.

Ricardo Borges Martins

Ricardo Borges Martins

Ricardo Borges Martins is a co-founder and the first Executive Director of the Pact for Democracy. He currently serves as Director of Strategy at Quid. A social scientist trained at the University of São Paulo (USP) with a Master's degree from Aix-Marseille University, his work focuses on political culture, strategic communications, advocacy, and movement building for social impact.

Samuel Emilio

Samuel Emilio Santos de Melo is Program Manager at Imaginable Futures, where he works to strengthen Indigenous, Quilombola, and Black leadership in advancing a society grounded in collective well-being. A Production Engineer by training, he has extensive experience in social development, philanthropy, and institutional strengthening for organizations committed to racial equity and social justice.

Transparência

Relatórios Institucionais

Institutional Report - 2024

Institutional Report - 2024

The Pact for Democracy's 2024 Activity Report presents an overview of the coalition's key initiatives throughout the year and outlines the main challenges ahead for defending democracy in Brazil. In a context still marked by institutional threats and ongoing anti-democratic mobilization, the report highlights initiatives focused on strengthening democratic institutions, protecting the electoral system, countering disinformation, and mobilizing civil society. It also showcases major milestones achieved in 2024, including the development of the Strong Democracy Agenda, international recognition through the World Justice Challenge Award, and the Pact's legal institutionalization, marking a new phase of governance and organizational strengthening.

Institutional Report - 2023

Institutional Report - 2023

The 2023 Activity Report provides a comprehensive overview of the coalition's work during one of the most challenging periods for Brazilian democracy. Following the attempted institutional rupture of January 8, 2023, and the country's democratic reconstruction efforts, the year demanded coordinated action from civil society in response to persistent authoritarian threats. Working alongside its member organizations, the Pact developed renewed advocacy, mobilization, and democratic strengthening strategies, reaffirming its role in defending the Democratic Rule of Law and building collective pathways to protect democracy in Brazil.

Entenda os nossos recursos

The Pact for Democracy carries out its work exclusively through funding provided by supporters committed to strengthening Brazilian democracy.

Its funding model is based on two primary sources:

  • National and international philanthropic organizations;
  • Individual donations.

The charts below present the percentage distribution of these funding sources for resources raised throughout 2025, as well as a list of the organizations and individuals whose support makes the Pact’s work and long-term sustainability possible.

Financiadores atuais

Financiadores antigos

Organizações parceiras

TOPO