Gabriela

Meet Gabriella from Brazil, one of the inaugural graduates of our Systems Transformation Pathway: Leadership for Just Futures who is now studying at Stanford University in the US to continue her systems transformation journey.

"Two years ago, I began a journey that changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I grew up in Brazil and had never travelled abroad before coming to UWC Atlantic. In fact, coming here meant boarding an aeroplane for the very first time. Arriving in Wales to study in a 12th-century castle felt almost unreal. I was also the first person in my family to leave the country. That moment will always stay with me, it was such a milestone, not only for me but for my whole family.

Receiving a scholarship through the Shelby Dare to Dream programme, funded by alumni from the Class of ’03, has been the most significant gift of my life. It opened doors that once felt impossible to reach. I carry immense gratitude for the people who believed in me and made this opportunity possible. One day, I hope to give back to this movement and help other students experience the same life-changing journey I did."

When I arrived at UWC Atlantic, I already loved science and came from a strong background in physics. But joining the Systems Transformation Pathway (STP): Leadership for Just Futures transformed the way I think about the world. STP helped me understand that the challenges we face: climate change, inequality, environmental degradation, are deeply interconnected systems. It pushed me to look beyond individual problems and think about how we can transform entire systems to create a more just and sustainable future. It truly shaped my journey into systems thinking.

One of the most meaningful moments during my time here was returning to Brazil last summer for my STP intervention project. I created an educational initiative about endangered species in Brazil’s dry biomes, combining science and culture to raise awareness among young people. Being able to bring what I learned at UWC back to my own community was incredibly powerful. It reminded me why this work matters.

Now I’m preparing for the next step in my journey: continuing my studies at Stanford University as a Davis United World College Scholars Program scholar. I will study Earth Systems and deepen my understanding of climate change and environmental policy. My time at UWC Atlantic and the Systems Transformation Pathway sparked a passion for systems thinking, and I want to keep building on that foundation.

My dream is to eventually return to Brazil and help drive meaningful environmental change, possibly even through a career in politics. Brazil has extraordinary natural resources and ecosystems, and protecting them will require bold, systemic solutions.