Isabela Messias is a Master of International Affairs Candidate at Columbia University, focusing on Economic and Political Development. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Pontífica Universidade Católica de Sao Paulo. At Columbia, Ms. Messias has undertaken projects and field work in Asia, Latin America, and Africa working with sustainability, innovation and civil society participation in development. Prior to Columbia University, Ms. Messias worked with refugees at Adus, a non-profit organization in Sao Paulo, where she co-developed a fundraising program that has promoted the NGO’s consolidation and expansion. During the same period, Ms. Messias was a member of Engajamundo, a youth-led NGO that engages young Brazilians in global matters such as the 2030 development Agenda. Moreover, she has also worked at the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations, mainly in areas such as financing for development and Sustainable Development Goals. After her graduation, Ms. Messias plans to work in international organizations for the sustainable development of Latin America, bringing international best practices to the region.