Adriana Argento

Brazilian social entrepreneur who pioneered inclusive education programs for marginalized youth

Adriana Argento transformed educational access in Brazil through her Escolas do Brasil network, establishing over 80 schools in favelas and rural areas between 2014-2019. Her pedagogical model integrates digital literacy with vocational training, achieving 92% graduation rates in regions where school dropout exceeded 60%. In 2016, she partnered with UNESCO to develop the Educação para Todos curriculum, now adopted by 14 Latin American countries. Argento's 2017 documentary "Breaking Walls" exposed systemic educational inequalities, leading to Brazil's 2018 Education Reform Act. Her TEDx talk on community-led education has garnered 2.3 million views. Recognized as Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2019), her work continues to inspire global education initiatives like UNICEF's Schools for All program. Key partnerships with Google.org and the Gates Foundation have expanded her reach to 150,000 students annually.