Amazon Black Employee Network U.S.–Brazil Partnership Drives Community Impact Through Mentorship and Volunteer Initiatives

Company: Amazon

Two people pose on stairs in a narrow, mural-covered alleyway; one person wears a white shirt with a "BEN" logo.

Programming example

It’s all about community …Ever since my first visit to Rio in 2016, Brazil has held a special place in my heart. Reading Henry Louis Gates’ “Black in Latin America” opened my eyes to the profound parallels between the struggles for equality in Brazil and America, and I found myself wondering how I could leverage nearly 20 years of community service experience to make an impact in this remarkable country. 🇧🇷 Fast forward to today, and I’m incredibly proud to share what we’ve accomplished.Through a groundbreaking partnership between Amazon’s Black Employee Network DMV and Brazil chapters, we’ve collaborated over the past 18 months on several transformative initiatives:**🎯 Board Development Programs** - Multiple strategy meetings throughout 2024 connecting our leadership teams, including facilitating a connection with an Amazon Vice President**📚 English Language Program** - Pairing nearly 50 BEN Brazil members with DMV members for a quarter-long mentorship, helping Brazilian Amazonians practice English and feel more confident in corporate settings**🏠 Project Viela** - Our proudest achievement to dateProject Viela represents 8+ months of dedicated planning, volunteer coordination, proposal writing, and documentation. We’ve been able to provide both financial support and volunteer resources to this incredible program that focuses on children from single-parent households in the favelas of São Paulo. Projeto Viela This experience has reinforced why I’m so grateful to work for a company that empowers its employees to change the world. But what excites me most is the future potential of our employee-led groups to drive innovation, create meaningful change, and serve as catalysts for the communities that matter most to us.None of this would have been possible without the passion of the BEN Brazil board—past and present—and their trust in a fast-talking American who enjoyed one too many caipirinhas and always wanted to “Think Big” for community impact. Jefferson Cunha Pedro Virissimo Cibele Sampaio Carolina Bertelli Dias Marcela Assis Brandão Vanessa Gomes Rachad Lewis When we bridge cultures, share knowledge, and invest in underserved communities, we don’t just transform lives—we transform ourselves. Nada pode quebrar a comunidade. Nada pode quebrar a paixão de pessoas comprometidas com a mudança. Pessoas negras do mundo todo se unem!hashtag#CommunityImpact hashtag#EmployeeEngagement hashtag#Brazil hashtag#SocialImpact hashtag#Favelas hashtag#Amazon hashtag#BlackEmployeeNetwork

Communities

  • Black

Formats

  • Volunteering & Service Day
  • Cross Company Collab

Goals

  • Give Back