Grace Iara joined Gaia in 2019, before which she had research and teaching positions at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and King’s College London (KCL). She has also worked in the financial and foreign trade sectors in Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Grace travelled to the Brazilian Amazon in 2011 and it was love at first boat trip! After spending time with Indigenous Peoples, riverine communities in the River Negro, NGO workers and conservation policy implementors across Manaus and Brasilia, she has committed to a continuous learning and sharing journey. Using her critical mind, big smile, attentive ears, bear hugs, and cross-pollination skills behind the scenes, she supports the efforts of grassroots networks, socioenvironmental NGOs, and philanthropic foundations. She has a Ph.D. in Political Ecology, an MA in Environment, Politics, and Globalisation, and a BA in International Relations. When Grace is not convening the Alliance for the Amazon and Beyond, she can be found dancing Forro, looking after her urban jungle, walking in East Sussex, or trying a new restaurant in her home town of Hove.