Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais – CEFET-MG

My work focuses on integrating systems change and social innovation as drivers of educational transformation, with a particular emphasis on aligning initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The system I aim to influence is higher education and applied research, promoting the convergence of academic knowledge, technological innovation, and community engagement to generate concrete and scalable solutions. At the core of my approach is the co-creation of learning ecosystems that bring together educators, researchers, social entrepreneurs, and scholar-practitioners to work collaboratively, across disciplines, and in an evidence-based manner. I understand that achieving structural change requires bridging theory and practice, integrating innovative teaching methodologies with direct application to real-world challenges. Key strategies that differentiate my work include the development of curricula and learning experiences that empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers, grounded in socio-emotional competencies, systems thinking, and the use of emerging technologies; building strategic partnerships and fostering cross-regional collaboration between academic networks, civil society organizations, and social entrepreneurs, including cooperation among regions such as Latin America, Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific to exchange educational models, pedagogical methodologies, and research outcomes; creating and sharing open educational resources, case studies, publications, and multilingual thematic events to ensure knowledge is accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant; and integrating technological innovation with social impact by leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and online learning resources to enhance reach, measure results, and accelerate impact. My unique approach is rooted in a systemic vision of education as an agent of social change and in a commitment to collaborative learning, where every participant is both a learner and a changemaker. By aligning academic practices with social innovation, I create pathways that connect research, teaching, and community action, ensuring that results contribute directly to measurable progress towards the SDGs. This perspective not only strengthens local impact but also builds a global network for exchange and mutual support, essential for addressing complex and interconnected challenges. I believe Catalyst Now provides the ideal space to amplify these actions, collaborating with academic leaders and social innovators committed to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.