Marking two decades of dedicated work in defense of human rights, the Brazil Human Rights Fund opens a new chapter in its journey. The Board of Directors announces that Allyne Andrade e Silva has been appointed as the Foundation’s new Executive Director.
This transition was thoughtfully planned and is part of the institutional strengthening process alongside the celebration of the Brazil Fund’s 20th anniversary. It reflects the maturity of an organization that honors its legacy while preparing for the challenges of the coming decades—preserving its values, mission, and enduring commitment to organized civil society.
This new cycle follows a period defined by the leadership of Ana Valéria Araújo, who is stepping down from the Brazil Fund by personal choice. Ana Valéria spearheaded the Foundation’s founding, development, and consolidation. Over two decades, she guided its growth, steadily expanding its capacity to support grassroots organizations, movements, and human rights defenders nationwide. Under her leadership, the Brazil Fund established itself as a benchmark for philanthropy focused on social and socio-environmental justice — strengthening Brazilian democracy and expanding access to funding for human rights initiatives.
On behalf of the entire Foundation, the Board of Directors expresses its profound gratitude to Ana Valéria for her visionary leadership, dedication, and ethical commitment, which were fundamental to shaping the Brazil Fund’s identity, credibility, and institutional impact.
The selection of Allyne Andrade e Silva represents both continuity and renewal. As Deputy Executive Director from 2020 to 2026, Allyne played an active role in the institutional growth experienced in recent years and has a deep understanding of the Foundation’s strategy, challenges, and opportunities. Her background, rooted in the Black women’s movement since her youth and built through ongoing dialogue with civil society organizations, strengthens the Brazil Fund’s capacity to respond to contemporary challenges in human rights and social justice philanthropy.
As Executive Director, Allyne will advance the Brazil Fund’s historical commitment to strengthening organized civil society — deepening the Foundation’s work alongside social movements, expanding dialogue with key actors across national and international philanthropy, and reaffirming its strategic role in defense of democracy, social justice, and human rights.
With Allyne stepping into the Executive Directorship, Gislene Aniceto temporarily assumes charge of the Deputy Executive Office. This structure reflects the Board of Directors’ commitment to a thoughtfully planned transition that unites continuity, renewal, and the enhancement of the Foundation’s institutional capacity for the challenges ahead.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Brazil Fund reaffirms its confidence in the future. This transition demonstrates the strength of an institution built collectively, capable of renewing its leadership without departing from the principles that have guided its work since its inception.
We will continue working alongside organizations, activists, donors, partners, and all of civil society who believe that strengthening human rights is strengthening democracy.
Brazil Fund Board of Directors
Gersem Baniwa
Janiele de Paula
Mafoane Odara (Presidency)
Susy Yoshimura
Veriano Terto
