Isabela Lyrio
Program Officer, International
isabela@wakeinternational.org
I am passionate about working on social projects that aim to tackle complex and intersectional issues women and girls face across the globe, which drove me to WAKE’s work and mission. I believe that female leaders are the most equipped to tackle the unique social challenges in their communities and WAKE’s work in amplifying and empowering female community leaders to reach their goals through dynamic and intercultural knowledge exchange inspires me.
Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, I was exposed to radical social contrasts which is what inspired me to pursue a career in social impact work. I have a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from The George Washington University in Washington DC, where I graduated with honors and was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship.
After graduating I moved to Guatemala where I grew in my career as a nonprofit professional and where I still reside to this day. Prior to joining WAKE, I worked with MAIA Impact and was responsible for communications and partnerships. In 2019 MAIA and WAKE worked together to organize Tech2Empower Guatemala, during this time I had the opportunity to work alongside WAKE’s team to implement this event and was moved by the teamwork and optimism of both the mentors and participating social entrepreneurs during the conference. I am inspired by the possibilities that emerge when collaboration and partnerships are prioritized in social projects, which is why I am excited to work alongside WAKE’s team of dynamic change-makers to help move the needle for equality, equity, and social justice.