Peggy Dulany and Camille Massey’s Visit to Brazil: Reflections on Philanthropy and Social Impact

Peggy Dulany and Camille Massey’s visit to Brazil brought significant discussions about the role of family philanthropy and its relevance in the Brazilian context, while also highlighting transformative initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s social and environmental challenges.

One of the most notable moments was the event held in partnership with GIFE, the leading association for the philanthropic sector in Brazil, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. The gathering brought together more than 20 family organizations and family office representatives to reflect on the role of family philanthropy in Brazil.

In her speech, Peggy Dulany emphasized a meaningful shift in the Brazilian narrative: the focus on overcoming poverty, which for many years dominated social actions, is now being replaced by the pursuit of overcoming inequalities, considered the root of social and environmental problems in such a diverse and rich country. She also pointed out the significant potential for growth in family philanthropy in Brazil, both in the number of engaged families and the volume of donations made, stressing the importance of embracing the aspirations and causes of new generations seeking meaning in an increasingly complex world.

Another remarkable moment of the visit was the cocktail reception organized for Synergos’ local network of partners in Brazil, supported by Cristiane Sultani, GPC member and her Instituto Beja, and the Instituto de Cidadania Empresarial, a local family philanthropic organization.

The event brought together philanthropists, social leaders, and Synergos Senior Fellows in a space for dialogue and exchange, where the urgency of creating more opportunities like this was discussed opportunities that bring together causes, agendas, and realities among different actors. During the gathering, three Senior Fellows were honored for their contributions to the country: Marcos Kisil, for his work in Brazilian Philanthropy; Wanda Engels, for Education; and Amália Fischer, for Gender Equity.

In addition to these events, the visit’s agenda included meetings with strategic partners involved in initiatives under development by Synergos’ local operation. Peggy and Camille participated in an event organized by Hospital Albert Einstein and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), which, in partnership with Synergos’ Brazilian operation, is developing an initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality in the northern region of Brazil.

There was also an important agenda in Brasília, where they met with representatives from ministries, the National School of Public Administration, and the National Council of Health Secretaries, an important partner in Synergos’ project to promote the well-being of healthcare workers. These meetings focused on discussing the application of the Bridging Leadership approach to the development of local programs, reinforcing the role of collaboration and bridging leadership in addressing social challenges.

Peggy Dulany and Camille Massey’s visit to Brazil not only reinforced our commitment to local philanthropy but also highlighted the importance of spaces for dialogue and collaboration—hallmarks of Synergos’ work and essential for building solutions that effectively address local inequalities and promote collective well-being.