Be Patient and grateful: I’m grateful to see that attitudes towards philanthropy in Brazil are gradually shifting. People are beginning to recognize their collective responsibility to help those in need, and there’s a growing movement of Brazilians coming together to support one another. But there is still a long way to go. This experience has taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and the belief that positive change is possible, even in the face of initial resistance. While the journey may be challenging, the impact of our philanthropic efforts is profound and worth every moment of dedication.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Katia Francesconi, Founder of Katia Francesconi Foundation.
Meet Katia Francesconi, a Brazilian female advocate + entrepreneur who started Katia Francesconi Foundation. Celebrating the foundation’s 10-year anniversary, Katia’s organization works to create better opportunities for impoverished children so they can have a better chance in life, thrive, and follow their dreams.
Founded in 2014 by Katia Francesconi, Katia grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and knew that education was always her priority, in thanks to her parents’ sacrifices to afford her education. Witnessing many impoverished children on the streets of her hometown, she felt compelled to make a difference through education.
Her transformed life and reflection on her good fortune inspired her to give back — leading to the creation of The Katia Francesconi Foundation, a gesture to pay forward the blessings she received. Katia established the Katia Francesconi Foundation with a mission to eradicate poverty in the slums of Brazil and continues to operate on three pillars: Education, Healthy Lifestyle, and Healthy Eating.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Living just five minutes from the harsh conditions in the slums (of Brazil), I observed children deprived of essential needs like food, proper shelter, education, and love, prompting me to question the fairness of my privileges. The stark disparities were impossible to ignore. When I moved to the US, I had the realization that such conditions were unacceptable and that ignited my passion to make a difference, moving me towards a MISSION devoted to addressing these challenges.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One very interesting aspect of leading my organization has been the opportunity to extensively travel throughout Brazil. Exploring various projects across the country has allowed me to delve into the rich tapestry of micro-cultures that make up our nation. Brazil’s remarkable diversity offers a profound insight into the intricacies of each community, providing me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country’s vibrant landscape.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early on, I wanted to help everyone — children, women, adults, and the environment. However, the mistake became evident as I realized my finite resources couldn’t sustain such broad support. Learning from this, I shifted my approach, concentrating on a specific mission…kids. Instead of dispersing smaller grants to numerous organizations, I now focus on fewer, allowing for more impactful and substantial contributions that genuinely drive positive change.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
I aim to inspire individuals who may not have previously been involved in social causes to join a mission or connect with a cause that resonates with them deeply. I strongly believe in the transformative impact of giving and its capacity to enrich lives. Although there is still considerable progress to be made, our strategy of launching projects from their inception has already started to generate tangible improvements in the communities we support.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
It is incredibly gratifying to witness the tangible impact of our efforts, especially with projects where I’ve been involved for an extended period. One of the most heartwarming experiences for me is when the children, whom we’ve supported since their early years, grow into young adults and personally express their gratitude.
I vividly recall visiting these projects for the first time and seeing the challenges these children faced. To hear them now, years later, recount how they remember my initial visit and how our ongoing support has positively transformed their lives is truly the greatest reward. Their heartfelt expressions of gratitude touch me deeply and reaffirm the importance of our foundation’s mission.
Knowing that we’ve played a role, no matter how small, in shaping their futures fills me with immense pride and joy.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
In Brazil, a transformative approach to addressing social challenges involves a collaborative effort between the private sector, government, and NGOs. While raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and mobilizing resources are crucial steps, a groundbreaking opportunity lies in institutionalizing successful pilot programs pioneered by NGOs with private funding.
The synergy between these sectors can catalyze innovation and sustainable solutions to complex social issues. By harnessing the creativity and effectiveness of NGO-led initiatives, and integrating them into public policy, the government can leverage proven strategies to drive impactful change at scale.
It’s imperative for the government to actively engage with grassroots social innovations spearheaded by NGOs. By recognizing and incorporating these initiatives into their agenda, policymakers can effectively address the root causes of societal challenges. This approach not only amplifies the impact of NGOs but also fosters a collaborative environment where diverse stakeholders work together towards common goals.
Ultimately, by embracing and scaling successful NGO-led initiatives as part of public policy, Brazil can unlock the full potential of collective action, leading to meaningful and lasting transformation in our communities.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership encompasses the capacity to inspire, influence, and provide guidance toward a goal or vision. One great example is a remarkable social leader spearheading a transformative initiative in the slums of Brazil. This leader, Edu Lyra, epitomizes charisma and authenticity, having emerged from the very communities he now fights for. His background earned him a deep trust and respect among the local people. Before meeting Edu, the plight of millions living in Brazil’s dire poverty seemed daunting, perhaps beyond the realm of immediate resolution. However, witnessing Edu’s leadership has offered so much hope — a realization that with dedicated individuals like him leading the charge, I’m able to see the “light at the end of the tunnel”. Edu’s relentless dedication to sourcing resources and advocating for marginalized communities, to me, shows true leadership. His boundless commitment to improving the lives of those entrenched in extreme poverty is nothing short of inspirational, and his energy is contagious! Encountering Edu Lyra unlocked for me the possibility of tangible change in the seemingly horrible circumstances of the people in the slums.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Giving time takes time: One thing I wish someone told me when I first started my philanthropic efforts in Brazil is that changing societal attitudes towards giving takes time and persistence. Philanthropy was almost a ‘dirty’ word in Brazil when I began, as the concept was not as deeply ingrained in our culture as it is in the United States. Unlike Americans, Brazilians did not grow up with philanthropy as a central part of our history.
- Everything comes from Experience: I gained my foundational understanding of philanthropy from all my years in the United States, where it is ingrained in the cultural ethos. Reading about figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, pioneers of giving in the 1700s, along with social activists such as Emily Bissell from the 1800s, and industrial titans like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller from the 19th century, provided me with invaluable insights into the rich history of philanthropy in this country.
- You will run into resistance, but fight through it: When I brought my philanthropic endeavors back to Brazil, I encountered resistance and skepticism. Many people in the elite society did not understand why I was doing what I was doing, and there was a general lack of interest in charitable initiatives. This was disheartening, especially considering the stark social inequalities and the urgent need for assistance in our country.
- Building a strong community: It’s also important to note that despite this, solidarity among community members and those less fortunate is very strong and has always been so. They help each other, demonstrating a very strong sense of solidarity.
- Be Patient and grateful: I’m grateful to see that attitudes towards philanthropy in Brazil are gradually shifting. People are beginning to recognize their collective responsibility to help those in need, and there’s a growing movement of Brazilians coming together to support one another. But there is still a long way to go. This experience has taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and the belief that positive change is possible, even in the face of initial resistance. While the journey may be challenging, the impact of our philanthropic efforts is profound and worth every moment of dedication.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I envision initiating a movement called “One Person, One Cause.” The essence of this movement is that individuals worldwide would commit themselves to helping a cause close to their hearts. Imagine if every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, could identify and dedicate themselves to making a difference in just one cause. The collective impact would be profound!!
Whether it’s advocating for environmental sustainability, supporting education in underserved communities, or championing social justice, each individual’s unique contribution would collectively weave a tapestry of positive change across the globe.
This movement isn’t about grand gestures or monumental donations; it’s about the cumulative effect of countless acts of kindness, compassion, and advocacy.
By encouraging individuals to channel their energy and resources into causes they deeply care about, we can unleash amazing transformation. From volunteering and fundraising to raising awareness and advocating for policy change, there are countless ways for people to engage with their chosen cause.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I truly resonate with the quote ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I believe in the obligation that accompanies blessings, whether they come in the form of resources, talents, or opportunities. I believe that those who are fortunate enough to have such gifts have the responsibility to utilize them to help others in less fortunate situations. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the power we hold to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Mackenzie Scott: I would love to meet Mackenzie Scott for several reasons. Firstly, I deeply admire her philanthropic efforts and the impactful way in which she has been donating her wealth to address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. Her commitment to giving back and making a difference is truly inspiring, and I like her approach of providing unrestricted funding to organizations, allowing them the flexibility to use the resources where they are most needed.
Also, she contributed to a project in Brazil that is particularly dear to my heart and resonates with me on a personal level. Knowing that she has supported initiatives in Brazil, makes me even more excited to meet her and learn from her experiences.
How can our readers further follow your foundation’s work online?
To further follow our foundation’s work online and stay updated on our initiatives, please visit our Instagram page @francesconifoundation. Our Instagram account gives you a glimpse into our ongoing projects and the impact we’re making in the lives of those we serve. You can also visit our website: www.katiafrancesconifoundation.org
Followers can also see firsthand the children who are benefiting from our programs, fostering a deeper connection to the impact of our work.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Katia Francesconi Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.