This piece is part of our ongoing series, Behind the Scenes of Our Global Work, highlighting the local partners who help power our impact around the world.

In Brazil, change has been driven by people – by girls fearlessly bringing their demands to decision-makers, by local civil society leaders advancing policies and protections that improve the lives of women and girls, and by communities coming together to shape a more equitable future for all. At Rise Up Together, we’ve had the privilege of supporting this work alongside our employer of record ADJ Diabetes Brasil (ADJ), a partner that has helped transform ideas into action, leadership, and lasting impact. 

What began as a focused collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a multi-year partnership rooted in trust, adaptability, and a shared commitment to gender equity. Together, Rise Up Together and ADJ have supported leaders across generations – from adolescent girls launching advocacy efforts in their communities to women advancing policy and institutional change.

As part of our global network of local partners, ADJ played a critical role in bringing this work to life in Brazil. By providing the local foundation for our programs to operate and grow, ADJ helped ensure that this work was not only possible, but meaningful – grounded in local context, responsive to community needs, and built for lasting impact. 

Over time, the partnership deepened – expanding in scope and impact. 

“Our relationship evolved from supporting adolescent girls through Rise Up Together’s leadership and advocacy programming in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a long-term strategic partner,” shared Dr. Mark Barone, Former Vice President & Honorary Member of ADJ. “What began as a focused effort expanded into a broader collaboration, supporting women leaders and strengthening advocacy capacity.” 

At the heart of this work has been a powerful continuum of leadership. Through this early stage of the collaboration, more than 60 adolescent girls were trained, developing over 10 advocacy projects that reached more than 3,500 peers. Several of these initiatives advanced into formal legislative processes in São Paulo – demonstrating the real potential of young leaders to influence systems and policy. 

“These are not isolated outputs,” Mark explained. “They represent a pipeline of leadership – from adolescent empowerment to sustained civic and policy engagement.” 

Building on this momentum, the partnership expanded to support adult leaders, strengthening advocacy capacity and deepening engagement with decision-makers. 

This work also shaped ADJ’s own approach. 

“The partnership fundamentally strengthened ADJ’s model by embedding structured advocacy, policy engagement, and leadership development into our programs,” Mark shared. 

What makes this collaboration stand out is not just what was achieved, but how it was achieved. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership thrived – maintaining strong engagement and delivering quality programming and meaningful results. 

Moments of transformation brought this impact to life. Mark recalled young participants presenting their ideas in spaces like the São Paulo Legislative Assembly – confidently engaging policymakers on issues such as education and gender equality. 

“These moments showed the full arc of transformation – from learning to leadership,” he reflected. 

Alongside these milestones, the partnership was shaped by the people working behind the scenes.  

“I had to step completely outside of my comfort zone,” shared Viviane Bonelli, Rise Up Together’s Brazil Administrative Assistant and key point of contact for ADJ. “The ADJ team made all the difference – their experience and support were essential to the success of this partnership. I felt welcomed, respected, and truly part of something meaningful.” 

As our collaboration with ADJ comes to a close at the end of April, that sense of growth and shared accomplishment remains. Our commitment to Brazil continues, with our U.S. team supporting Rise Up Leaders and ensuring alumni across the region have access to ongoing resources and opportunities. This includes continued connection to our global network, learning opportunities, and spaces for collaboration that will help sustain and build on the impact leaders are driving in their communities across the country. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this partnership conclude on such a high note,” Viviane reflected. “I leave this experience with new knowledge, connections, and a sense of growth that will stay with me for life.” 

At its core, this partnership demonstrates what is possible when leaders are given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to lead. 

“When girls and women are given the right support, they move beyond awareness to real influence,” Mark shared. “The impact extends far beyond the duration of the partnership, supporting both current and future generations of leaders.” 

While this chapter is coming to a close, its legacy continues – in the Rise Up Leaders who have been trained, the systems they are influencing, and the communities they are transforming. 

Because across Brazil – and across our work around the world – one thing remains true: 

Gender justice is not driven from the outside. 

It is built through local leadership, strong partnerships, and a commitment to lasting change. 

*Quotes edited for length and clarity.