Cecilia Avila

A Brazilian entrepreneur who revolutionized the textile industry through innovative production methods and labor reforms.

Cecilia Avila (1842–1910) was a visionary entrepreneur from Rio de Janeiro who transformed Brazil's textile sector by introducing mechanized production and fair labor practices. Orphaned at a young age, she worked in textile mills and observed the harsh conditions faced by workers. In 1875, she borrowed funds to establish Avila Textiles, the first factory in Brazil to use steam-powered looms imported from England. Her innovations reduced production costs by 40%, enabling affordable clothing for lower-income families.

Avila's groundbreaking approach included providing on-site childcare and healthcare for workers' families, policies later adopted by other industries. She also trained female engineers to operate machinery, breaking gender barriers in technical roles. Her memoir "Weaving a New Future" (https://archive.org/details/weavinganewfutur) details her struggles and vision. By her death, her company employed over 500 workers and inspired similar ventures across Latin America.