The 100 Brazilians who made it in New York

100 The Brazilians who made it NewYork in

The Brazilian community of New York has cast 6. Alessandra Ambrosio “I always thought New York was the center their votes on the Internet to elect the top Brazilian of the fashion world,” says the top model movers and shakers of the Big Apple. Looking at Alessandra Ambrosio, who stepped onto the Big Apple’s concrete sidewalks 12 years the results, it’s possible to see a trend that ago for her first jobs and never stopped working. She has walked the runways for expresses a democratic, pluralistic, non-elitist 3 5 7 Fendi, Christian Dior, Prada, Louis Vuit- ton, Christian Lacroix, and Oscar de la vision that is a true reflection of Brazil and this Renta; she has posed for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Love. great country that welcomed us all, the United She is also one of the Victoria’s Secret an- States. Choices can sometimes cause controversy, gels. In 2005, she was ranked the sexiest model in the world on models.com. and not all candidates can make the list. But this year is just the beginning and we have a long road 3. Alexandre 5. Alex Ibrahim 7. Alexandre Thumlert ahead to improve this process. It's only fair to Bueno de Moraes After earning a degree in engineering from Universidade Gama Filho and MBA in Mar- In 1995, he started studying Administration at Long Island University. Back in Brazil, after he With his partner Andrew S. Klug, Alexandre celebrate, every September, the month of Brazil, Bueno de Moraes opened Gallery 1500 in New York this year—the first gallery of Bra- keting and International Commerce from the Zicklin School of Business, Ibrahim had finished college in 1999, he joined the team at Citibank Private Banking. In 2004, he re- and all Brazilians who have made their mark and zilian photography. Moraes was born in Brazil, grew up in Paris, and now lives in New York. joined the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 1999. He has held positions as turned to New York with his wife to get his MBA at NYU’s Stern Business School and imprinted the forms and hues of Brazil into the city In the Big Apple, he was the proprietor of the director of the Latin America division and account manager of the department of in- take part in an internship program at George Weiss & Associates. He dedicated the next restaurants Le Zoo and Waterloo—which that is the heart of the world. ternational services for clients from regions three years to the emerging market. Thumlert 6 had clientele from people in the fashion world and the publicity industry. In 2003, he found- such as Latin America, Portugal, and Spain. currently works at UBS bank, which has headed 1500 Productions, an agency that repre- Since 2008, he worked as director of man- quarters in Basel and Zurich, in addition to its sents photographers with offices in Rio de agement and regional chief of Latin America, offices in Manhattan, Jersey City, Weehawken, the Bermudas, and the Caribbean. and Stamford. The challenge at UBS is to 8 Janeiro and New York. rebuild equity in Latin America. 2. Alberty Levy Levy is on the list of New York’s Top Doc- tors. A graduate and professor of the Fac- uldade Nacional de Medicina da Univer- 9. Aparecida Teixeira sidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Federal Aparecida Teixeira moved to New York in University of Rio de Janeiro’s National 2002 focused on teaching Portuguese to Medical School), he landed in New York Americans, which she had done in Brazil in 1977. In 1989, he founded Manhattan since 1996. In the beginning she met up with 1 Family Practice, where he attends to both students at their workplaces, homes, or in the local and international communities. coffee shops. When she became pregnant He is also physician to the consulates of with her first daughter, she decided to cen- Brazil and France and makes himself avail- ter her work in a sole location. And Brazil Station was born—the first company spe- 4 10 able for United Nation’s missions. Aside from attending to various hospitals in New cialized in teaching Brazilian Portuguese in York, he teaches courses at Mount Sinai the city. Today the company employs a 2 Medical School. dozen professionals and produces an infor- 9 mative bulletin that is read by more than four thousand Brazilians. 1. Airam da Silva Over the past 20 years, Airam has dedicated all of his time, knowledge, and en- 8. Antonio 10. Arthur Mattos Casas 4. Ana Oliveira Hasslauer da Costa Report: Marina Beltrame Photos:Promotional ergy to constructing what now is the larg- One of the most sought-after architects est recruitment center in the world for Since 2006, Oliveira has served as President International Fashion CEO/Strategy Con- with offices in São Paulo and New York, bone marrow donors. At age 13, he started and CEO of New York Women’s Foundation sultant. Costa is responsible for the strat- Casas has been winning prizes since as a volunteer at the Icla da Silva Founda- (NYWF). For over two decades she has de- egy and positioning of Brazilian brands that 1994. In 2008, he won the prestigious tion when his sister was diagnosed with veloped programs for vulnerable populations want to break into the competitive and de- German Red Dot Design Award for his leukemia and needed a bone marrow trans- in New York. In 2004, she was chosen by Mi- manding U.S. market. Over 20 years of development of a cutlery line and din- plant. Ever since he became president of chael Bloomberg to join the Commission on experience in the realm of international nerware for the company Riva. This the foundation, four years ago, he opened AIDS. The city of São Paulo native arrived fashion gave Costa the know-how to succed. year he took first place in the “Best Res- affiliates in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, and in New York in 1981 after graduating in Psy- He also has experience in global business, taurant” category of the 2010 Design Puerto Rico. The program increased the chology and Sociology. In the Big Apple she extending from North and South America, Award in Wallpaper magazine for his number of registered donors from 7 thou- earned a Master’s in Anthropology from the Europe, Middle East, and Asia. project with restaurant Kaá in SP. sand in 1996 to over 38 thousand in 2009. New School for Social Research.

12. Béco Dranoff 18. Carlos Saldanha Rooted in New York since 1988, the music He entered the MFA program at the School producer and artistic director from São Pau- of Visual Arts in 1991, where he met Chris lo, Béco has dedicated himself to the produc- Wedge, one of the cofounders of Blue Sky tion and promotion of Brazilian music abroad. Studios, who invited him to join his team of He is one of the creators of the charity project artists. Saldanha worked as animator and su- Red Hot + Rio, and co-founded the label Ziri- pervisor of the film Joe’s Apartment (1996), buiboom, which introduced the world to and developed the first characters for the films 19 names like Bebel Gilberto and DJ Dolores. In Simple Wish (1997) and Fight Club (1999). He 11 13 2009, in partnership with journalist Guto was nominated for an Oscar after his first fea- Barra, he launched the documentary Beyond ture film, Ice Age (2002). He later directed 17 Ipanema: Brazilian Waves in Global Music, Gone Nutty, which was also nominated for an which held its world premiere at the MoMA. Oscar in 2004. He is currently working on his Béco airs a monthly radio program online—at new film Rio, which is set to debut in 2011. artonair.org—of MPB (post-Bossa Nova urban popular music) called Sonoridade. 11. Bebel Gilberto 13. Camila Rosas Tariki 19. Carlos Souza The spontaneity with which Carlos Souza be- Bebel Gilberto was born in New York but grew Once she graduated in Architecture and Ur- friends Hollywood’s most glistening stars and up with her parents, Brazilian singers João banism from Mackenzie University in 2000, society figures across the globe will have you Gilberto and Miúcha, in Brazil. Bebel had her musical debut while performing a duet with Camila moved to New York. She works side by side with designer Karim Rashid on cre- 17. Carlos Miele believe that his work is effortless. Far from it. Owner of the brands M. Officer, Carlos His immortal good looks and irresistible Bra- her father singing Chega de Saudade in 1980. ation. With him, she managed over 80 projects Miele, and Miele by Carlos Miele, he re- zilian charm only enhances his innate talent, She took part in children’s choirs like Os in 28 countries, from restaurants to hotels, turned to Brazilian runways this year and shown through 20 years of fabulous parties, Saltimbancos and Pirlimpimpim. Later on she exhibits, and graphic designs. In 2006, Karim 12 regularly takes part in both New York and celebrity-studded red carpets and unforget- composed alongside Cazuza. Her first album named Camila his representative in Brazil, and London Fashion Weeks. He graduated from table shows. In 2008, after Valentino’s retire- was chosen as one of the thousands of titles since then she has been shuttling between 18 Fundação Getúlio Vargas with a degree in ment, Caca (as he is endearingly called by that Must Be Heard Before You Die. Last year Brazil and New York following projects for Administration, and in 1986 he created M. loved ones) embraced a new challenge as PR she released her fourth and most recent album Melissa, Folha de S. Paulo and the exhibit at Officer. This year Miele was the only Brazil- director for Claro Rio Summer, Rio’s em- to date All in One. Institute Tomie Ohtake. ian chosen by American Vogue for a series blematic international swimwear and lifestyle of documentaries about fashion brands. show week, and led a handful of the fashion The video The World of Carlos Miele is avail- world’s most powerful names to discover his able on the Vogue TV website. hometown. Now, back at Valentino, he divides his time between New York, Rio and Rome. 15. Carlos Guimarães Guimarães is currently president of LAIG (Latin America Investment Group), a con- 21. Claudine DeNiro sulting company focused on private and Claudine is senior vice-president of The public investments with offices in São DeNiro Group at Prudential Douglas Elli- Paulo, Buenos Aires, New York and Ma- man, a real estate powerhouse that special- drid. He was cofounder and president of izes in luxury properties in Manhattan, the Invest Tur Brasil, a leading real estate com- Hamptons, and Montauk. Claudine earned pany in Brazilian tourism. Previously, he degrees from the Fashion Institute of Tech- 14 22 nology (FIT) in Advertising and Marketing 16 was coordinator of the IDB’s private sec- 20 tor (Inter-American Development Bank) and Communications and Marketing. She in Washington. A New York resident, Gui- married Raphael DeNiro, son of actor Rob- marães is also a member of the American ert DeNiro, two years ago. Their first child, Chamber of Commerce for Brazil. Nicholas, was born in 2009. 14. Carlos Falchi 16. Carlos Junqueira In the beginning of his career, Falchi’s bags With a degree in law, Carlos Junqueira 20. Cassio Antonio Calil 22. Cláudio Mascarenhas were identified by their irregular piecing of After leaving Brazil 23 years ago, Cassio lived A low baritone, this native of Rio de Janeiro exotic multicolored leathers. However, after moved to New York to work in the mar- in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and is part of the Opera Company of Brooklyn. studying traditional art in Japan, Falchi gained keting sector of Alpargatas. Next, he Ireland before settling in New York. He is His debut was at the Brazilian Conservatory new approaches to the design of his pieces. In worked with coffee importation but currently responsible for JP Morgan’s Struc- of Music. In 1997, he was accepted by the stopped in 2001. It was then that Jun- 21 1979, he created his first “deconstructed” tured Projects and Corporate Solutions Danish Free Education program, which sup- 15 bag—unlined, made out of a single skin of buf- queira discovered his passion for design Group in the Americas Investment Banking ported his studies in Europe. Afterwards, he falo leather with just two stitches. In 1999, he and in 2002 opened Espasso in Long Is- division. His group provides specifically ca- received a scholarship from Opera Ebony in started collaborating on accessories’ projects land City. The gallery exhibits furniture tered tools and solutions and products to New York. Cláudio often sings in New York with names like Donna Karan, Vera Wang, and pieces by the best Brazilian designers. He manage risk client risk. Cassio is on the and this year he is performing three concerts Bill Blass. Some of his most loyal clients in- expanded his business into Los Angeles Board of Directors at the Brazilian-Ameri- in Rio de Janeiro at the Centro Cultural clude Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, in 2004, the gallery was then transferred can Chamber of Commerce. Justiça Federal and Parque das Ruínas. Demi Moore, Madonna and Jessica Alba. to the Pacific Center in 2006.

24. Daniel Urzedo 29. Fernanda Lacerda 31. Fernando Urzedo is the founder of Rede Showroom, The daughter of businessman Oscar Lac- a showroom service that successfully erda, owner of one of the largest cosmetics Ferreira de Araújo launched Brazilian brands in the United companies in Brazil, Fernanda and her sister His interest in the arts brought him to study States like Alexandre Birman, Daslu, Jo de Claudia opened Maria Bonita Salon & Spa Painting and History of Art at the Atelier Mer, Jack Vartanian, and Schutz. Before in New York in 2003. The salon, located in Pierre Chalita in Maceió, Alagoas in 1976. After graduating in Adminstration in 1986, he 25 moving to New York eight years ago, he SoHo, offers various exclusive services like lived in Switzerland and Canada. In the the Brazilian Facial—(it includes a cleaning, moved to New York and on the same year Big Apple he studied Business Administra- exfoliation, acne extraction, and moisturiz- began studying textile design. Between 2000 30 tion and earned his MBA in International ing treatment) which does not exist any- and 2003 he lived in São Paulo. He returned Marketing and Public Relations from the where else in the city. Created in 2009, Fer- to Manhattan and dove into the internation- 23 City University of New York. nanda is also in charge of Brazilian Supple- al art scene. He started an atelier and joined 23 ments. She is an avid advocate of Brazil and The Art Students League of New York. His Fundação da Criança (Children’s Founda- works are in private collections in New York, tion) Health Organization. Miami, San Francisco, London, Paris, Madrid, 25. Daniela São Paulo, and Recife. Rebouças Atwell Daniela is a founding partner of G2 De- velopment Planning, a construction and 30. Fernanda Motta After her success from starring in cam- 23. Cristiana architecture company formed in 2008. She is an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at paigns for Cartier, Moët Chandon, and Rolex, Fernanda expanded her profes- Mascarenhas Columbia University. Her curriculum in- troduces the supervision of projects, such sional portfolio. In 2008, she was hired to host Brazil’s Next Top Model on Sony chan- Earning a degree in Architecture from the 31 as housing development in Bandeirantes, 24 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Mas- nel, but she didn’t abandon her career as a 29 cerenhas founded the Manhattan Enterprise São Paulo; Howard Hughes Medical Insti- model. Her last spread spanned eight In Plus Inc. in 1992 and has been the director tute, in Ashburn, Virginia; Regionale Lom- pages in Spanish Elle. Native of Rio de of several projects in the United States, Brazil bardia, in Milan, Italy; and the L’Oréal Janeiro, she lived in Florianópolis and São and France. In 1991, after spending six months headquarters, Clark, New Jersey. Daniela Paulo before settling in New York, a city in New York City, Mascarenhas fell in love earned her Master’s in Architecture from she finds one of the most interesting in the with the New Yorker lifestyle and decided to Politécnico di Milano, Facoltá di Architet- world. “It’s a mix of cultures. I love walk- tura e Società, in Milan. 28 open her own office. “Time passes and the ing around and observing people, their Brazilian elite in New York grew and became interests, and their activities.” even more elegant,” she says. 34. Francisco Costa 26 27 Eliane Elias 32. Fernando Milani In 2002, he started working at Calvin Klein, This native of São Paulo entered the music It was in New York that Milani found his pas- where he currently serves as the creative direc- world at 17 years old, upon working for sion: photography. He studied at the Fashion tor. Fashion is in stylist Francisco Costa’s Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes for Institute of Technology (FIT) and specialized DNA, who hails from Guarani, Minas Gerais. three years. In 1981, she moved to New in beauty. In 2006, he became part of WWD His parents owned a very successful clothing York, and the next year became part of the Beauty Biz Magazine, which appoints the top business and his sister also chose a career in group Steps Ahead. She was the first-ever photographers in the beauty industry. His fashion design. He arrived in New York in the female instrumentalist to be the cover of 33 portfolio includes work for Pantene, Sephora, early 90s, and while he studied English, he did Down Beat magazine, and has recorded John Frieda, Garnier, Avon, Gillette, Philips, fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology over 20 albums. All of her recordings have and Johnson & Johnson. His photographs (FIT). Afterwards, he went on to refine his been in Billboard Magazine’s top 5 and on have also been published in Marie Claire, skills at FIT in Italy. He worked at Studio Su- radio charts in the United States. In 2008, Glamour, and Elle. san Bennett and Bill Blass label. In 1993, he she was the second most selling CD in started his five-year collaboration with Oscar France. Aside from singing, Eliane plays de la Renta up until he was recruited in 1998 the piano, composes, and arranges. by Tom Ford to join his team at Gucci. 28. Elma Reis 33. Fernando Tormena Born and raised in Brazil, she started sew- While he studied International Relations ing when she was seven-years-old by using in Brazil, Tormena spent his time shuttling 26. Edilberto Mendes her mother’s sewing machines to make back and forth between São Paulo and Edilberto arrived in the United States in clothes for her dolls. In 1984, Elma en- New York promoting parties in the Hamp- 1980 to study Film at the University of rolled at the Fashion Institute of Technol- tons. In 2003, he moved to New York, and Miami. After graduating, he moved to ogy. While she studied Fashion, she made started his career as a VIP Host at the best New York where he lives to this day. He nightclubs in the city such as the Pink El- 32 apparel for Isaac Mizrahi and worked with 27 34 has worked as editor of The Brasilians Helena Morleu. In 1998, she joined the ephant, Puffy Daddy, and Cain. This led newspaper since 1987 and he is the execu- Bridal Couture Collection as head ap- Tormena to open his own events promo- tive director of the Brazilian Day in New parel constructer, where later on she took tion company. He is currently in charge of York. One of his big projects, in conjunc- over as designer in 2001. In 2003, she de- four nightclubs in New York, Juliet, Kiss tion with the Brazilian consulate is to cided to start her solo career. She bought and Fly, Griffin, and Goldbar in addition encourage the creation of vehicles of Bridal Couture Collection and baptized it to promoting big events such as the Brazil- communications and community centers. Couture by Elma Reis. ian Film Festival.

36. Frederico Wagner 41. Gustavo Chacra 43. Helio de Sousa He is one of the co-founders of Track & A correspondent in New York for O Es- A native of Minas Gerais, Helio studied at Field, a Brazilian sports store. Fred recently tado de S. Paulo, Gustavo visits the United the University of Belo Horizonte’s Faculty opened his first store on Madison Avenue in States since he was a little kid. As a teen- of Arts. Asked to work as a hairdresser, he New York. With a degree in Administration ager, he lived in South Carolina and Bos- left for New York in 1977. He specialized at from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, he has devel- ton. In 2005, at 29 years old, he earned a a cosmetology school and landed his first job 37 oped new concepts for his new store that are Master’s in International Relations at Co- at a salon for men. In 1980, he inaugurated environmentally conscious, such as the use lumbia University in New York City. After the first unisex salon in the city. Today he is of biodegradable items like shopping bags. graduating in 2007, he went to the Middle in charge of Concept Salon and is dedicated 35 East to work as a correspondent in the re- to his career as a painter. In August Helio gion. In 2009, he returned to New York to exhibited his work in Minas Gerais. 42 take over as correspondent. During this period he continued covering the crisis in Honduras and Haiti. 37. Gandja Monteiro Gandja is a filmmaker and started making movies when she was just 17 years old. She 35. Frederico Sève received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from New Seve began his career as an art dealer in Rio 36 York University. She has already written, pro- de Janeiro with the Galeria Ipanema. In 1991, after moving to New York with his wife, Seve duced, and directed three short films. Recent- ly she finished Almost Every Day (Quase Todo 42. Guto Barra Born in Curitiba, the journalist set foot in opened a gallery in Tribeca called Latincol- Dia), her first project in Portuguese, with the Manhattan in 1997, where he opened (with lector. Now renamed the Frederico Sève world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 43 journalist Ricardo Bairos) Planet Pop—a 41 Gallery/Latincollector, the gallery is com- 2009. She is currently in pre-production for media company that specializes in enter- mitted to facilitating the dialogue between her first full-length film, a story about the ex- tainment – a dream he had since the begin- contemporary South American artists with perience of Brazilian immigrants established ning of the 90’s, when he studied Film at the rest of the world. Seve is an advocate of in New York in the 1980’s. New York University. Guto worked as a the rich the rich cultural history of contem- reporter for Folha de S. Paulo, editor for the porary art in South America and shares his experiences via public speaking. 39. Giovanni Bianco page Modo de Vida in Jornal da Tarde, and started his career in television at MTV a After working for six years in Milan, Bianco closed the Design Studio Bianco & Cucco and Go-Go. Guto also dedicates himself to the opened his own studio in New York. His cli- production and post-production of docu- ents include brands like Miu Miu, Missoni, and D&G as well as the Brazilian brands Arezzo 44. Hsiang Lih Chen mentaries and television programs. 46 Jayma Cardoso Chen has been a clinical assistant professor, Jayma moved to New York to study Biol- and Schutz. In 2003, Bianco was the art direc- ogy at Fordham University. Her passion for tor for a 40-page article with Madonna which obstetrician, and gynecologist since 2006 at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Born in Taipei, the beach brought her to the Hamptons. included photographs by Steven Meisel for W She started as a bartender and is now one Magazine. Soon after, he was invited to par- Taiwan, she lived in São Paulo with her family since she was five years old. She graduated of the most successful women in the enter- ticipate at Madonna’s 2004 World Tour Re- tainment and hospitality industries. Owner Invention. He continued to collaborate on her from Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade 40 of two of the best clubs in Manhattan, Gold 38 next two CDs, Confessions on a Dance Floor de São Paulo and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. At the end of 1992, she moved to Bar, and Cain, Jayma has a loyal clientele in 2006 and Hard Candy in 2008. which includes celebrities like Cameron New York where she studied reproduction Diaz and Lenny Kravitz. She also opened a 45 and also did her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. small hotel and launched the Surf Lounge in Montauk in the Hamptons. Jayma has plans to develop a design boutique hotel in São Paulo in 2012. 40 Gisele Bündchen 38. Geová Rodrigues At sixteen, Gisele made her first trip to New Coming from a large family, Geová learned York. “From there, I started to search for early on how to recycle clothes. After opportunities in the international market 45. Janea Padilha working as a painter in São Paulo, a suc- and my home became an airplane,” she says. Janea is in charge of the salon J. Sisters, which cessful career in which he was featured in Aside from currently living in Boston, her occupies three floors of a building on 57th galleries and museums, he left Brazil in flight itinerary always includes Manhattan. Street. She has just launched the book Bra- 1988 and went to Paris. In 1992, he arrived Gisele is the highest on the list of “the zilian Sexy: Secrets to Living a Gorgeous and 46 in New York. He went back to playing with world’s most iconic models” according to 44 Confident Life, which describes the salon’s 39 clothes upon receiving an old sewing ma- the website www.models.com. The uber- day-to-day which was been open 21 years ago chine from a friend. His first collection was model also takes on the role of social activ- by seven sisters from a family that has seven launched in 1998 during the New York ist. She supports companies that help those other brothers. Janea was born in Linhares, Fashion Week. He has currettly an eclectic infected with HIV and the program Fome Espírito Santo. At 13, to help with the fam- line of accessories that are on sale at the Zero (Zero Hunger). She’s now a dedicated ily’s income. She dropped out of school to Cynthia Rowley boutique. mom and a Goodwill Embassador for the work in the beauty industry where she United Nations Environment Programme. learned about hair and make-up.

48. João de Matos 53. Jupira Lee 55. Jussara Lee This native of the city of São Paulo arrived On January 1, 1989, Jupira landed in the Big Born in 1967 to Korean parents, Jussara in the United States in 1964. In 1973 he and Apple. She was 17 years old and her mission began her career in New York at the end his brother Francisco de Matos founded the was to study at Parsons The New School for of the 1980s when she left Brazil to study Brazilian American Cultural Center Group, Design. But when she finished, she decided fashion at the Fashion Institute of Tech- a company that specializes in ecological tours to dedicate herself to gastronomy. That was nology. In the 1990s, she showed her work in South America. Based in New York, the how the restaurant Casa emerged, which at the New York Public Library and in company has branches in New Jersey, Port brings Brazilian flavor to New York. “What Bryant Park. In 1997, she established a 47 54 Chester, Boston, and Miami. João is also I do is simple: I help to ease the longing for partnership with Yagi Tsusho, a Japanese editor of The Brasilians newspaper and pro- Brazil and show off our culinary traditions.” company that owns the label Madame motes the Day of Brazil, an event held annu- Grès and opened a showroom in Tokyo. In ally in New York. Recently, Brazilian presi- 2001, Lee traded in her store in SoHo for dent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave him the an atelier in the Meat Packing District. title of Grand Commander in recognition of his efforts to promote Brazil abroad. 49 47. Jelon Vieira 54. Jussara Korngold Native of Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, Jelon made the Afro-Brazilian Born in the city of São Paulo, Jussara has 53 55 dance Capoeira a profession. After touring lived in the United States since February with a dance company through Europe, 2006. Before that she lived in London for Asia, and Africa, Vieira decided to study three years. She graduated in Economics dance in New York, where he created a with a Master’s in Accounting Sciences. For style of dance that unites Bahian culture 49. João Paulo Rodrigues six years, she worked in the corporate division and in the representative office of and contemporary art. In 1977, he launched João Paulo began tattooing ten years ago in DanceBrazil, an Afro-Brazilian dance Chase Manhattan Bank in Brazil. During his native Rio de Janeiro. In order to master 48 school, and teaches capoeira. He has given the following two years she was the corpo- his technique, Rodrigues moved to New classes to the king of soccer Pelé and rate accounts manager at American Ex- York. He has been in New York City for 7 American movie stars such as Wesley press. She then became the vice president years and established his own studio, which Snipes, Eddie Murphy and Robert Wise. is frequented by a loyal customer base. For 56. Karin Dauch of corporate accounts at Citibank. Today, she is the chief executive for Brazil Child 58. Kellen Mori the past two years, Rodrigues has been in- When reporter and photographer Karin In 1992, dentist Kellen Mori traveled to Dauch left her native Sao Paulo to pursue Health/Friends of Renascer in New York. the United States to learn English and vited to conferences in Holland, England, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, and China. a Master’s in Journalism at Columbia Uni- specialize in cosmetic dentistry. The fol- In 2008, he won first place in the NYC Tat- versity, her plan was to stay in the US for lowing year she managed to land a job as too Convention for Best Back-Piece. only 2 years—which turned into 12. Now the assistant to the famous dentist Jona- based in New York, Karin is the author of than B. Levine in New York. Kellen con- 51. Jorge Pontual NewYorkforInsiders.com, worked at the tinues to work at the same office, now as a Since 1996, he heads Globo’s news office in web design company Razorfish, founded dentist with a degree from New York Uni- New York. He interviews people on shows and managed a web design company, and versity. The list of celebrities that go to her Milênio and Sem Fronteiras for Globo News, constantly contributed to Brazilian publica- office is extensive: Nelson Motta, Fran- and reports for Jornal Nacional, Fantástico tions; among those O Estado de S. Paulo, cisco Costa, Ana Beatriz Barros, Sarah e Jornal da Globo. The journalist earned a Viagem & Turismo, and Wish Report. Dauch Jessica Parker, and Lenny Kravitz. was also a columnist for radio stations 50 degree in Social Sciences at PUC-Rio and BandNews and Mitsubishi FM. 52 started working at Reuters. He has worked 57 for Jornal do Brasil and TV Globo, as an editor for Jornal Internacional and at Bloch Editores. He also was editor-in-chief of Jornal da Globo, and editor-in-chief of Globo Esporte at Rede Globo. 50. Jonas Rabinovitch Rabinovitch is the UN senior advisor in the 52. Joseph Cohen 57. Karine Basilio areas of urban development, politics, public The turning point in Cohen life occurred Before moving to New York in 2008, Kar- administration and the use of communication when he studied Economics and earned his ine earned a degree in Advertising and and information technologies on improving Master’s degree in Business Administra- Publicity and took photography classes in public services. His résumé boasts 17 years of tion with a focus on Finance at Wharton London and San Francisco. In 2000, she work for the UN in New York. He took part School of Business at the University of 56 started photographing in São Paulo for 51 58 in urban development for disadvantaged Pennsylvania. He currently serves the vice Grupo Abril’s women’s magazines and populations in more than 90 countries in president of the Private Wealth Manage- publicity agencies like Lew Lara, Oglivy, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His experi- ment division at Goldman Sachs and is and Matos Grey. Now one of the rising ences include reconstructing Kabul, Afghan- also part of the Jewish community in New stars of fashion photography in New York, istan, low income housing in the Maldives York. He is also very active in a synagogue her work has been published in magazines after the tsunami, and transportation and in New York, founded in 1654 by a group like Harper’s Bazaar, L’officiel, Neon, Zink , traffic improvement in Bangkok. of 23 people who lived in Brazil. and Vanity Fair.

60. Leona Forman 65. Luiz Ribeiro 67. Marcello Hallake Leona is the founding President of Brazil- With just US$ 500 in his pocket, the native of Hallake studied Law and International Rela- Foundation, an organization that generates Minas Gerais moved to New York in 1986. His tions at the Université Catholique de Louvain resources for programs that promote social dream was to be a photographer. In 1987 he in Belgium, earned his master’s in Interna- change in Brazil. Born in China, Leona moved landed his first job in a studio doing mainte- tional Law in Washington, and in 1998, to Rio de Janeiro with her family at the age of nance and cleaning. His next job was develop- Thompson & Knight LLP hired him to work 61 13. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism ing and printing photographs. In 1989 he sold as a lawyer in Manhattan. Since then, he rep- from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Ja- a photograph of Brazilians voting at the con- resents North American and European busi- 59 neiro, a Master’s degree from Columbia Uni- sulate for the presidential election to the As- nesses that want to invest in Brazil. His par- versity School of Journalism and post gradu- sociated Press. The editor at the time liked the ticipation in the non-profit sector is not any 66 ate studies from the University of Paris. Leo- image and started requesting his work. It was less important. Hallake is one of the founders na was a foreign correspondent and for 20 the big break he needed. Since 1993, he has of BrazilFoundation and advises other non- years worked as chief of Information Centers been photographing for the New York Post. profit institutions such as: CDI International at the UN. Leona is married to American (Committee for the Democratization of In- anthropologist Sheppard Forman and they formation), AlfaSol, Fundação Interameri- have two children, Alexandra and Jacob. 61. Lily Gabriella cana, and Geneva Initiative North America. Lily Gabriella launched her first jewelry col- 59. Leandro Carvalho lection. Surrounded by beautiful jewelry from an early age, she decided to pursue her passion After earning a degree in physical education from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, for precious stones and get a degree at the 66. Malu Millerman Gemological Institute of America (GIA), in Moving to the United States was not in in Belo Hornizonte, Carvalho left Brazil to her plans. In 1993, her husband received join the Mercê Cunningham Dance Com- New York. Before attending the GIA, Lily 65 an invitation to work in New York and the 60 pany in New York. In time, he started teach- studied fine arts in Boston, and later went to work for Vogue Latinoamerica in Miami, family came along. The initial idea was to ing his fellow dancers the method he utilized spend just a year abroad. “But my involve- in classes for Petrobras. Since then, Carvalho where she had the opportunity to see jewelry collections from up and coming Latin-Amer- ment with the city grew and I received an started a fitness program and dedicated him- offer to work at the Bionergetic Analysis self to training those interested in physical ican designers. After receiving her gemologist degree in 2009, Lily went on to work for office, a therapy technique I used in Bra- exercise. Last year, he released the DVD Butt zil with my clients,” she explains. The famed auction house Christie’s in Geneva in 67 Lift, a fitness regime that can be done at natural step was to open her consulting home. The DVD was received so well that he their jewelry department. office in New York. Malu was the found- is already planning another one. er of BrazilFoundations’ Annual Gala 68. Marcelo Gomes Benefit and helps raise money for social 63. Lucas Mendes The classical dancer was born in Manaus projects in Brazil. The journalist from Minas Gerais started and raised in the city of Rio de Janeiro working for magazines from the now de- where he began his training in ballet. At 13, funct group Bloch in 1996. Two years he moved to the United States to continue later, he received a scholarship from the his studies at the conservatory and after World Press Institute and spent a year in that went to France to join the Le Ballet the United States. He served as a corre- de l’Opéra in Paris. In 1997 he joined the 70. Márcia Grostein spondent for Bloch in 1969, chief of the American Ballet Theatre and was pro- A native of São Paulo, Grostein debuted her Rede Globo’s office between 1985 and moted to first dancer in 2002. He is fre- first exhibit in New York in 1978. Grostein 64 1990, and as correspondent for Rede Re- quently invited by some of the biggest produces sculptures and paintings where na- cord for the following two years. In 1993, companies in the world to make special ture is the main subject. In the self-proclaimed 69 he started working at Rede Cultura and appearances. In Brazil, he will return to the capital of the world, she met and lived with 62 created the program Manhattan Connection stage in October with Don Quixote at the artists like Willem de Kooning, Betty Parsons, for the channel GNT. Today he is married, Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. and James Rosenquist. Grostein’s artwork has has three children, writes two columns per circulated through major galleries in Ecuador, week for the BBC and takes part in Globo Mexico, Prague, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Cuba, News’s talkshow Milênio. Germany, Belgium and France. 64 Luciana Curtis Her first time in the Big Apple was in 1992, 62. Lorenzo Martone at 14 years old, already as a model. “At that 69. Marcelo Zarvos He studied Communications at Mackenzie time it was uncommon to come across Bra- He moved to New York in 1992, bringing and Anhembi Morumbi Universities in zilian models here. The normal trajectory with him the class he took on music in Cali- São Paulo. In 2004, he left for Paris to was Tokyo and Europe,” remembers Luci- fornia and his experience with Grupo Tokyo study Luxury Brand Management at the ana. Eilenn Ford, founder of Ford Models, in São Paulo during the 1980’s. He recorded his first solo album in 1994 and right after 68 Management School (ESG). He is a co- hastily changed the models travel plans to 63 70 founder of Arc New York, a public rela- Japan to have her meet New York clients. the first of 40 soundtracks he produced for tions agency that represents supermodels In 1997 she moved to London with photog- cinema, television, and dance shows. One of such as Alessandra Ambrosio and Fernan- rapher and future husband Henrique Gen- his compositions was for The Good Shepard da Motta. He also works at the publicity dre, where she lived for a little less than four directed by Robert De Niro. He was nomi- agency Chandelier Creative, which is re- years, up until she was invited by Revlon to nated for two Primetime Emmys in 2009 and sponsible for Nars Cosmetics, 7 Jeans, and return to New York. This July Cora was 2010 for the films Taking Chances and You Rafael Cennamo. born—the first New Yorker in the family. Don’t Know Jack, both produced by HBO.

71. Marcio Baptista 73. Marcus Magarian 78. Michele Levy A partner in one of the largest, most pres- After finishing college and working in The entrepreneur has been in the USA for tigious Brazilian law firms—Tozzini Freire New York for investment banks Morgan fifteen years. Crazy about the business Advogados—Baptista has led the head of- Stanley and Merrill Lynch, the entrepre- world, she started her professional career in fice in New York since 2001. His relation- neur earned his MBA from HEC (Haute Brazil at Chase Manhattan Bank. Next, she ship with New York, however, dates back to Ecole Commerce) in Paris, France. At landed in the Big Apple to work at JPMor- 1993. He went to New York City for a HEC, he was invited to return to the Big gan, where she was invited to be the senior 77 5-month internship at a US office but end- Apple to work in International Investment director of the Americas Society/Council, 79 ed up staying for four years, earning a mas- at Banco Votorantim Securities. Margar- an organization founded by David Rocke- ter’s degree from New York University and ian is also a member of philanthropic or- feller to promote the largest commercial, 72 working in three more law offices. He re- ganizations like Comitê dos Jovens da political and economic integration between turned to São Paulo in 1998. BrazilFoundation. the Americas. It was then that she took charge of the internationalization of Me- lissa footwear in New York. 77. Martha Friedlander 79. Oskar Metsavaht Before she was recognized for her cre- ations (painting, photography, digital im- Osklen fans from all over the Big Apple were 72. Marcos Cohen aging, and collage), Martha studied dance ecstatic when designer Oskar Metsavaht opened his first US flagship store on Wooster The senior vice president of Prudential and movement. Her first incursions into Douglas Elliman, Marcos is about to take the arts were with collage—mixing photos, Street, in Soho . His distinctive designs and on the position of executive vice president fabrics, and objects. Over the last decade, aesthetics make Osklen one of the most influ- ential brands in the world according to WGSN, 78 of Prudential, a company that deals with Martha expanded her activities to the ar- 71 luxury estates in Manhattan. The broker eas of fashion and beauty, creating make- the virtual bible of worlwide lifestyle trends. from Rio de Janeiro mediated almost all of up looks for fashion editorials for the big- Oskar’s work at Instituto-e, a non-profit orga- Brazilian real estate transactions in the city gest magazines in the world and for shows nization dedicated to raising awareness for of New York over the past decade. He is in Paris, Milan, New York, São Paulo, Rio sustainable human development , has granted him international appraise: he is refered to as 73 also the author of a monthly bulletin about de Janeiro and Peking. the New York Realty market, which has a “the future maker” by WWF- UK and was one readership of more than 5.000. of last year’s BrazilFoundation Honorees. 81. Patricia 74. Marcus Cavalcanti Lobaccaro Vinicius Ribeiro After graduating from the College of Archi- Legal and corporate director of the invest- tecture and Urbanism at USP (University of ment bank Violy & Company and adviser- director of BrazilFoundation, Ribeiro 76. Marjorie Andrade São Paulo), Patricia went to New York to study interior design at Parsons the New At just 14, she made her debut as a model. 75 started his professional career as a Federal Classified as one of the most beautiful School for Design. She also worked with fellow Attorney. He was director of Internation- faces in the 1980’s, she was one of the first Brazilian architect Sig Bergamin, who at the al Relations for LMDC, an institution of time had an office in the city. Afterwards, she 80 Brazilian models to achieve international the US government responsible for re- success. She posed for the covers of Vogue, opened her own interior design studio and cur- building the World Trade Center; advisor Playgirl, and Esquire, in addition to being rently works on both commercial and residen- to Americans for UNFPA United Nations the face of L’Oréal and Revlon. She gradu- tial projects in New York City, São Paulo, and and to the board of directors of the Com- ated from the Hollywood Cinema Insti- the Hamptons. She also serves as the director 82 munity World Project, which helps public tute in California and worked in some films of events for the BrazilFoundation. school students in New York to have access to cultural programs. 75. Maria Luiza of the 90’s. Her current project is the show Ribeiro Viotti Forever Young. She is the permanent representative of Brazil to the United Nations. She earned her degree 80. Osmar Chohfi He studied Social and Legal Sciences in diplomacy and a Master’s in Economics from through the University of São Paulo’s Fac- the University of Brasília, and also studied at ulty of Law and joined the Instituto Rio Institute Rio Branco, the academy for Brazilian Branco to begin his career in diplomacy. diplomacy. Maria Luiza joined the Brazilian Foreign Service in 1976 and has held various Amongst his functions as Secretary of State 82. Paulo Szot of Foreign Relations, Chohfi was head of In 2008, the actor and singer Paulo Szot positions within the Ministry of Foreign Rela- the South American II Division, head of was the first Brazilian to receive a Tony 74 76 81 tions including general director of the Depart- Protocol, and Chief of Office of the Minis- Award for his role in the musical South ment of International Organizations, general ter of the State at the Brazilian embassies Pacific, showing on Broadway. Since then director o the Department of Human Rights in Paris, La Paz, Buenos Aires, and Caracas, he is part of the city’s cultural scene and and Social Affairs, general secretary for the and also headed the Brazilian embassies in is on one of the most visible pedestals in Division for South America, and executive Quito and Madrid. In 2009 he took his cur- the world of musicals and operas. Due to coordinator for the office of the Ministry rent position as the Consul General at the his success and talent, Paulo’s profes- of Foreign Relations. Brazilian Consulate in New York. sional life is booked solid until 2014.

84. Pedro Andrade 90. Sandra Alvim “I am fascinated by New York’s capacity to Sandra fell in love with New York when she bring together interesting people,” says An- visited for the first time in 1979. “I felt an drade about the city he chose to live in when empathy and enormous energy in the city, he was a teenager. Living in the “capital of more than any other place I had ever been,” the world” for nine years, he worked as a she remembers. But it was only in 1986 that model and now is a journalist and co-pro- the astrologer’s dream of living in the city ducer. He hosts the show Manhattan Con- came true. Her first onslaught was a store 91 nection on GNT beside Lucas Mendes, Caio of Brazilian fashions on the Upper East Blinder, Ricardo Amorim, and Diogo Mai- Side. Then, for seven years she studied at 89 nardi, and is in front of the camera of three the New York Astrology Center. Now San- 83 NBC programs. dra is requested by celebrities like the actors Sonia Braga and Chris North. 83. Paulo Vieira da Cunha While a partner and director of Tandem Global Partners, consultant for the evalua- tion office of IMF (International Monetary Fund) and professor at the International 85 85. Rafael Azzi Azzi studied in California and Rome and 89. Roberta Mazzariol During her eighteen-year career as an investment banker and lawyer, she has made over 35 moves that exceed $20 billion. Be- fore Atlas Advisers, the investment bank of which she is the founder and administra- 91. Sergio de Queiroz Duarte After earning a degree in Law and Public Administration, he specialized his career in diplomacy by studying at the Instituto Rio Branco, where they select and train future Brazilian diplomats. Before establishing him- 84 School of Public Affairs at Columbia Uni- 90 earned a degree in Publicity and Marketing tive director, she worked at JP Morgan. versity in New York, Paulo completed, in She has a law degree from the University self in New York, where he acts as the highest from FAAP in 2008. On that same year, representative of the United Nations for 2008, two years as deputy governor of Cen- after working with agencies and consultan- of São Paulo in Brazil, and an MBA from tral Bank of Brazil. Other noteworthy posi- NYU’s Stern School of Business. Disarmament Issues, Sergio worked at em- cies, he began marketing for jewelry de- bassies in Rome, Buenos Aires, and Washing- tions include: member of Copom (Comitê signer Jack Vartanian in Brazil. Azzi has de Política Monetária), representative at ton, DC. His professional journey across the been in New York for the past year and a globe also includes having held the position the G-20 summit, the World Bank, and half, where he is in charge of marketing and vice-director of financing for Prodesp. of Brazilian ambassador in Managua, Otta- international operations for the brand. wa, Peking and Vienna. 87. Renato Almeida 93. Sergio Millerman Almeida began his foray as a make-up artist His career as an executive in the financial in the fashion world by joining the make-up sector was constructed in Brazil. In 1993 artist team of Pat McGrath and Page Dick. he became the CEO of Safra National Since 2003, he has collaborated with Marc Bank of New York, where he later assumed Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, and the presidency and board member. Nowa- Calvin Klein. In Paris, Almeida has worked days, he has a consulting group in Manhat- backstage for Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton tan and advises for Grupo Safra. He is also 94 and Helmut Lang. He has also worked with recognized for his social involvement. He top models Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, is the sponsor and ex-president of the Bra- 86 88 92 Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista in zilian American Chamber of Commerce magazines such as Vogue, W Magazine and and he presides on the committee that Glamour. Almeida is also a member of Shi- organizes the Person of the Year event. seido Cosmetics’ team of make-up artists. 94. Simoni Morato Simoni Morato, CEO of Safra National Bank 86. Raphael Medonça 88. Richard Machado 92. Sergio Esteves of New York, is a smiley and competent asset Rooted in New York for six years, he is one In Brazil, while he was dedicating his studies to this new Brazil. An economist graduated of the most promising stylists of the new The shift in Esteves’s life occurred when he from Unicamp, she is the face of Safra in New to International Business, and a few basic noticed that he was more creative in the pho- generation. His professional debut was at photography classes. After he graduated, he York. She was born in Minas Gerais and is Carlos Miele’s show during New York Fash- tography studio than in the interior design fully adapted to the American way of life, she traveled to New York on vacation. He was office. He went to New York in 1995 to study ion Week. He has already worked with top supposed to stay for a month, but it’s already adopted New York as her city. At her office on at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) af- 93 models Raquel Zimmermann, Isabeli Fon- 87 been 12 years since he’s been living in the Big Fifth Avenue, she works intensely, since every- tana, Carolina Kurkova, Coco Rocha among ter having taken a course in Fashion and Mer- thing is intense in New York. Furthermore, she Apple. During this time, he studied photog- chandising in Brazil. His time at an interior other big names. Now he is with the agency raphy at the Fashion Institute of Technology is one of the major supporters of BrazilFounda- Warren Tricomi and does work for Vogue, decorating office in the city opened the doors tion, extremely active in the Brazil-United (FIT) and interned at American Vogue. In to his current profession: a set designer for Harper’s Bazaar, 125, Zink, AV, aside from his studio, there are advertising samples from States Chamber and the Brazilian community. acting as personal stylist to actress Amanda fashion shoots. He has clients like the top Tuned into this new egalitarian Brazil, the man the works of Brazilian designers, campaigns, photographer Patrick Demarchelier . Setton from Gossip Girl. and fashion editorials. of Mr. Safra in New York is actually a great

96. Tania Menai The journalist traded in the sands of Leb- lon in Rio de Janeiro for New York in 1995. For nine years she wrote for magazines Veja, Bravo, Superinteressante, Trip, and No Mínimo. She was a radio correspondent for CBN and TV Futura. On her résumé, Ta- nia has also written two books: Tirando os Sapatos and Nova York do Oiapoque ao Chuí, with profiles of 23 Brazilians with different 97 professions talking about their conquests and failures on the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. At the moment, she manages the blog Só in New York on magazine TPM’s website and collaborates with the website Planeta Sustentável (Sus- 95 tainable Planet). 97. Vik Muniz Vik began his career as a sculptor in 1969. His work changed direction when he became more interested in photographic re- productions of his sculptures. At that point he started making objects and drawings that 95. Tania Cypriano were intentionally created to be photo- graphed. In 2008, he was the artist invited Born in São Paulo, she was a teenager when she immigrated to the United States. After for the Artist’s Choice series with his ex- spending six years in California and two in hibit Vik Muniz: Rebus. That same year the 96 Hawaii, she opted to work in independent documentary Waste Land was released and experimental cinema in New York. about his work with garbage collectors in Over the past 21 years her documentaries Jardim Gramacho in Rio de Janeiro. The and films have conquered the internation- film won the audience’s choice award for al arena and have won prizes at festivals. best film at the German film festival Berli- On television, she collaborated with names anle’s Panomaram 2010. like Martin Scorsese and Bill Moyers. 99. Yula Rocha While in Brazil, Yula worked at Globo News and Rede Globo television. After ten years of being a reporter, she left to get her Master’s Degree in London. From London, she covered the terrorist attack of July 7, 2005 for the O Globo newspaper, and was 100 invited to be SBT’s New York correspon- 98 dent. Having now lived in the city for near- ly six years, she resides in Park Slope with her husband and son. 100. Zeze Calvo 98. Walter Comassetto He went to New York in the 1970’s to pur- His professional experience of over 30 sue a career in performing arts, but found years in aerial transportation started in success as a florist. With his wife and busi- 99 1974, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. ness partner, Peggy O’Dea, the couple In 1979, Comassetto landed in New York opened Zeze Flowers in Manhattan—now for the first time and from then on started one of the most sought- after stores in the representing airline companies in Orlando city. Recently, he expanded his business and Atlanta. He is currently the commer- ventures inaugurating Ze Cafe, a restau- cial manager for TAM Airlines and is in rant that boasts an unpretentious dining charge of 33 states in North America. experience at the corner of floriculture.

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The 100 Brazilians who made it in New York

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