The Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) is one of several student clubs at Northeastern University supported by the Center for Emerging Markets.
On October 11th and 12th, Northeastern University welcomed the 10th edition of the BRASA Summit Américas, the largest conference of Brazilian students in North America. Organized by the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) on campus, the Summit brought together more than 500 students from universities across the United States and Canada for a weekend of connections, skill-building workshops, and insights from experts shaping Brazil's economic, social, and technological landscape.
Founded in 2014, BRASA is the largest network of Brazilian students abroad, active in more than 100 universities around the world. As a nonprofit, fully student-run organization, BRASA is driven by students for students, ensuring that its initiatives directly reflect the needs, perspectives, and aspirations of the Brazilian community abroad. Its mission is to support and empower the next generation of Brazilian leaders through scholarships, mentorships, global conferences, and social impact initiatives. For students who live and study abroad, BRASA offers a community that provides both cultural connection and professional development across borders.
The Summit, more than an academic event, embodies BRASA's core values: creating opportunities, strengthening Brazil's presence on the global stage, and mobilizing students passionate about driving transformation. The two-day agenda featured a combination of thought-provoking panels, leadership discussions, practical workshops, and experiences designed to strengthen career readiness.
The event welcomed over 20 speakers representing finance, science, entrepreneurship, public health, and technology. Among them were internationally recognized figures such as Dr. Drauzio Varella, writer and one of Brazil's most influential public health voices; Ana Fontes, founder and CEO of Rede Mulher Empreendedora; Ricardo Lacerda, CEO of BR Partners; and Dr. Ana Marisa Chudzinski-Tavassi, Director of Innovation at Instituto Butantan.
Students also had the opportunity to expand their networks and gain insight into potential career paths by engaging directly with industry representatives from over 15 companies actively recruiting Brazilian talent with international experience.
Hosting the Summit at Northeastern, following its impactful edition in 2019, marked an important moment for the local Brazilian student community. Bringing the Summit back to campus six years later not only continued the legacy established in 2019, but also demonstrated the growth of BRASA at Northeastern.
“We have become the main hub for Brazilian students on campus to find support in all stages of their academic journey. It's an honor to host the Summit here and make a positive impact on our students and our Brazilian peers abroad,” said Brenda Belgamo, DMSB'26, Summit Director and Student Associate at the Center for Emerging Markets.“Discussing Brazil's challenges and innovations on campus is crucial because it helps students understand Brazil's role in the global landscape and recognize the impact we can have on its transformation. With the support from partners like the Center for Emerging Markets, we have the platform to bring these conversations here and strengthen the impact of BRASA across the Northeastern community.”
Brenda's involvement with BRASA began early in her Northeastern journey, as she naturally engaged with fellow Brazilian students on campus. Passionate about the club's mission of empowering the Brazilian community on campus, she first led BRASA's publicity and marketing efforts before stepping into the role of organizing the Summit.
The Brazilian Student Association at Northeastern serves as a community anchor, offering a cultural home and strong peer support to Brazilian students. Through mentorship, professional development events, and cultural gatherings, BRASA at Northeastern empowers students to navigate the challenges of studying abroad while equipping them with professional skills and remain deeply connected to their cultural identity and heritage throughout their academic journey.
Learn more about the Northeastern University chapter of BRASA
