Maka Si Tomni (Surround The Universe)

I was born to a family of educators in Brazil, and have worked in international education most of my professional life. From childhood, I have been exposed to the challenges and the resulting creative solutions derived from the countless educational and political reforms in Brazil. I am fluent in Portuguese and English and have extensive experience in intercultural communication. I have been involved in cultural projects in Brazil and ESL exchange programs in the US for the last fifteen years.

As the chief translator and interpreter for the Amazônia Brasil Project, I coordinated the translation of the US and Brazilian versions of catalogues, books, signs, labels, website and marketing material for the Amazônia Brasil 2008 exhibit in New York; translated and adapted K-8 school programs on the Amazon region for the NY School District; created and delivered the exhibit’s docent and volunteer training program in NY; translated and interpreted all lectures and key note opening speeches. 

Currently, I am a member of the Board of Directors of Yazigi International, a network of language schools in Brazil. In Seattle, I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Center for Ethical Leadership and a committed volunteer for Bahia Street, a Seattle and Brazil-based organization dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty, inequality and violence by providing high quality educational opportunities for economically-impoverished young women and girls in Brazil.

As assistant curator of Acervo Fernando e Catherine Silva, in São Paulo, Brazil, I coordinated the Arte na 9 de Julho events promoting the work of young, contemporary Brazilian artists. These bi-monthly events were open to the public and included theater, street art, performances, media, music and literature.

   As Executive Director of the Brazilian Center of Philosophy for Children, I lead a team of 63 teacher educators around the country to promote the Philosophy for Children program. This program develops critical and caring thinking skills in children from K-12 through philosophical dialogue. As Vice-President of the International Council for the Advancement of Philosophical Inquiry with Children, I helped organize international seminars in Australia, Spain, Brazil and the US.

   I moved to the US in 1999 with my family to work at Internexus, a network of schools specializing in International Education and exchange programs. I was the marketing manager and international internship coordinator for the Latin American and Asian markets until 2006.