FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
Contact: Gemma Givens
press@thedialogue.org
Washington, DC – At a pivotal moment for Brazil’s role in the Americas and the world, the Inter-American Dialogue has appointed seven distinguished experts as non-resident senior fellows to its Brazil Program. Launched earlier this month, the Brazil Program is the only country-specific policy program in Washington dedicated to Brazil, working to deepen understanding of Brazil’s complex landscape and to strengthen ties between Brazilian and U.S. institutions across all sectors. The program is directed by Bruna Santos, a recognized policy leader on Brazil, governance, and international affairs.
The fellows bring expertise in deforestation, sustainable development, trade, racial equity, public opinion, and international finance. Their collective insights will strengthen the Dialogue’s role in shaping policy solutions and promote constructive engagement across the hemisphere.
“There is no more consequential time to deepen our engagement on Brazil,” said Rebecca Bill Chavez, PhD, President and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue. “Our new fellows bring diverse expertise that will ensure the Dialogue’s Brazil Program is at the center of key conversations about Brazil’s role in the region and the world.”
The new senior fellows include:
Fernanda Magnotta, leading Brazilian scholar and commentator on U.S. politics and U.S.–China–Latin America relations, head of International Relations at Armando Alvares Penteado Foundation (FAAP), Senior Fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI).
Natalia Paiva, Founding Partner, Alandar; leader of MOVER coalition for racial equity in Brazil’s private sector, recognized by Bloomberg Línea as one of Latin America’s 500 most influential people.
Raoni Rajão, Professor, Federal University of Minas Gerais; former Head of the Department for Deforestation and Fire Control Policies at Brazil’s Ministry of Environment.
Sergio Gusmão Suchodolski, CEO Fama re.capital; former CEO, Development Bank of São Paulo; expert in development finance and international economic cooperation.
Natalie Unterstell, President, Talanoa Institute; leading climate and forest protection advocate, former United Nations (UN) negotiator.
Clifford Young, Visiting Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service and Chair of Ipsos Public Affairs and Strategic Insights, with a career spanning leadership in public opinion, polling, and societal trends.
Nicholas Zimmerman, Founding Partner, Dinámica Americas; former White House National Security Council (NSC) Director for Brazil and Southern Cone Affairs.
All seven fellows will work closely with Bruna Santos to advance the Program’s robust agenda.
“Our fellows are instrumental in turning research into action,” said Santos. “As part of the Brazil Program’s unique network, this extraordinary group will sharpen our analysis and expand our reach, helping us tackle Brazil’s most pressing challenges with greater depth and collaboration.”
About the Inter-American Dialogue:
The Inter-American Dialogue is a hemispheric organization that builds networks of cooperation and action to advance democratic resilience, shared prosperity, social inclusion, and sustainable development across the Americas. We impact policy debates, devise solutions, and enhance collaboration to unlock meaningful change in the Western Hemisphere.
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