📍Rio de Janeiro
December 13th-16th, 2024
The annual LOLA Brazil Leadership Retreat took place in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, from December 13th to 16th, with the goal of equipping LOLA Chapter leaders with essential leadership skills to become the most effective ambassadors of liberty. Attended by over 20+ LOLA Chapter leaders, members, and staff from across Brazil. The event provided a unique platform for leaders to meet, share stories of activism, learn new skills, and deepen connections. The retreat was a tremendous success, leaving all attendees motivated and ready to elevate their Chapters to new heights.
Friday, December 13th, 2024
History of LOLA & How I found Liberty Stories
Anne Dias, Former President, LOLA Brazil
On Monday, after welcome and dinner, Anne Dias, LOLA Brazil’s Former President shared the organization’s history of how LOLA has become a global organization inspiring women worldwide to advocate for liberty as well as reflecting on how LOLA Brazil has grown throughout the years. The retreat attendees then shared their journey on how they came to the ideas of liberty and their journeys in LOLA.
Saturday, December 14th, 2024
How to network like a pro
Izabela Patriota, Director of Development, LOLA
On Saturday, Izabela Patriota, LOLA’s Director of Development, delivered an insightful session on effective networking strategies. She shared actionable tips on building meaningful connections, leveraging opportunities, and using networking as a tool for personal and professional growth.
What Does Your Image Say About You? Aligning Perception and Purpose
Amanda Lorena, Image and Style Consultant
After a short break, Amanda Lorena, an image and style consultant, guided attendees through a session on the importance of personal branding. She explained how aligning one’s image with their purpose and values can enhance confidence and influence.
Voices Against Tyranny: The Role of Activism in Authoritarian Regimes
Adriana Flores, Coordinator of Vente Venezuela and Campaign Manager for María Corina Machado and Edmundo González
After their lunch break, Adriana Flores, Campaign Manager for María Corina Machado and Edmundo González’s Presidential Campaign in Argentina, and Coordinator of Vente Venezuela in the country, delivered a powerful session on activism under authoritarian regimes. Speaking in English, she shared her experiences working on the historic 2024 Venezuelan elections, where she played a key role in mobilizing the Venezuelan diaspora and ensuring the protection of electoral records that validated González as the legitimate president-elect. As a political exile, Adriana shared deeply personal stories of persecution, including the imprisonment of family members and years spent separated from loved ones. She is also a member of LOLA Buenos Aires, in Argentina.
How to Reduce the Size of the State Through Efficient Public Policies
Carol Sponza, Lawyer with a master’s in Public Policy
Carol Sponza, a lawyer with a master’s in public policy from the Hertie School of Governance, shared her expertise on reducing the size of the state through the implementation of efficient public policies. As the most-voted federal deputy candidate from Partido Novo in 2022 and a candidate for Mayor of Rio de Janeiro in 2026, Carol brought a wealth of experience to the discussion. During her session, she focused on the specific challenges Brazil faces with its overgrown state apparatus. She presented data demonstrating how an oversized government harms individual freedoms, economic growth, and efficient service delivery. Carol highlighted practical strategies for streamlining government operations, eliminating inefficiencies, and promoting individual liberty through smaller, more effective governance.
Pitch Contest
After a brief break, the participants engaged in an exciting LOLA elevator pitch competition. Each woman had one minute to deliver a persuasive pitch on “Why Should a Donor Support My LOLA Chapter?”. This exercise challenged participants to highlight their Chapter’s impact, mission, and potential to drive meaningful change.
This fun and fast-paced challenge was all about crafting a compelling, clear, and confident pitch to inspire others and highlight each participant’s unique goals and commitment to advancing liberty and leadership.
Sunday, December 15th, 2024
Your Voice in the Media: Strategies for Impact Through Articles and Press Releases
Sara Ganime, Journalist and CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Boletim da Liberdade
Sara Ganime led a practical session on how to amplify your voice in the media through impactful articles and press releases. She shared tips on crafting clear, persuasive messages that resonate with readers and the media, empowering participants to use journalism as a tool to advocate for liberty and LOLA’s mission.
How to Create Healthy Habits with Objectivist Philosophy
Letícia Barros, Lawyer, President of LOLA Brazil and Social Media Coordinator of LOLA
Letícia Barros delivered an inspiring session on how Objectivist philosophy can guide the creation of healthy habits. Drawing from her personal experience—including practicing four different physical activities—she emphasized the importance of aligning actions with personal values, fostering self-discipline, and applying rational thinking to everyday decisions. Letícia offered attendees practical strategies to prioritize well-being, maintain consistency, and achieve balance while staying true to their purpose and long-term goals.
Geopolitics in Focus: Understanding the Global Landscape
Monica Rosenberg, lawyer and former Legal Director of LOLA Brazil
Monica Rosenberg, former Legal Director of LOLA Brazil, lawyer, and Secretary of Governance at OAB-SP, delivered an enlightening session on the complexities of the global geopolitical landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience, including her candidacies for federal deputy in 2018 and 2022, Monica explored how international events impact local governance, individual freedoms, and women’s empowerment. As the author of “Are We All Corrupt? A Short Guide for the Ethically Annoying”, Monica shared thought-provoking insights on ethics and accountability in governance. She also provided in-depth explanations of critical geopolitical conflicts, such as Israel vs. Palestine, the war in Syria, Russia vs. Ukraine, and Iran’s escalating tensions. Monica’s session highlighted the interconnectedness of global issues and the critical role women can play in shaping political systems and making a meaningful difference.
LOLA Brazil 2024 Retrospective: Mobilization and Chapter Planning
Laura Lima, Director of Operations of LOLA Brazil
Laura Lima delivered an engaging session reviewing LOLA Brazil’s achievements in 2024 and outlining strategies for future growth. She encouraged participants to reflect on their successes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop action plans to strengthen their Chapters and mobilize more effectively.
Closing, Awards, and Certificate Presentation
Anne Dias, Former President of LOLA Brazil
The retreat concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony led by Anne Dias. Participants were recognized for their contributions, received awards and certificates, and celebrated their shared commitment to advancing liberty and empowering women through LOLA. The event also marked a significant moment as the transition of leadership for LOLA Brazil was finalized after two years. Anne Dias handed over the leadership to Letícia Barros, who will now serve as the new President of LOLA Brazil, continuing the mission of fostering liberty and leadership among women across the country.
Thank you to our sponsors and donors!
LOLA would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and played a part in making the LOLA Latin & Central America retreat a resounding success. From our outstanding donors and sponsors to the amazing women who participated, you all contributed to an experience that inspired and empowered. The connections forged during the retreat will undoubtedly continue to uplift and strengthen the attendees for a long time to come. Thank you all for being a part of something truly special!