Welcome to the third edition of our “Employee Spotlight” series, where we shine a light on the talented individuals who make Data-Pop Alliance thrive. Through this series, we aim to showcase the diverse backgrounds and inspiring stories of our team members. In this edition, we’re excited to feature Amanda Quiterio de Gois (Communications and Research Officer), Bárbara Battistotti Vieira (Project and Research Officer) and Letícia Sakihama De Menezes Hora (Project and Research Officer).
Hailing from Brazil, all three started as interns at DPA in 2023 and have since progressed to Officer roles within the ‘Data Feminism’ and ‘Technology and Democracy’ Programs, as well as in the Communications area, where their talents, perspectives, and skills are highly valued. Get to know Amanda, Bárbara and Letícia more closely in the interview below.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Could you share a book (fiction or nonfiction) that shaped you?
Amanda: One book that really shaped me during my master’s studies is “A Noite Escura e Mais Eu” (“The Darkest Shade of the Night”) by the Brazilian author Lygia Fagundes Telles. It’s a collection of short stories that focus on women’s experiences, touching on themes of loneliness, love, and the complexities of being a woman in relation to other women and to men. The deep, emotional situations she explores through her characters really resonated with me.
Bárbara: This question makes me feel nostalgic, thinking about the books that have left a lasting impact on me. One that stands out is “Capitães da Areia” (“Captains of the Sand”) by Jorge Amado. I first read it in high school, around the same age as the characters in the book, and it had a profound effect on me. The story focuses on abandoned children living in Salvador, Brazil, and delves into their struggles with poverty, discrimination, and misogyny. It sparked a sense of rebellion in me that has stayed with me ever since. It was definitely a book that shaped my perspective.
Letícia: A book that deeply shaped me is “Quando Me Descobri Negra” (“When I Discovered I’m a Black Woman”) by Bianca Santana. It helped me understand racial issues I’ve grappled with since childhood. I had the opportunity to meet Bianca and discuss the book with her, which made the experience even more meaningful. The book allowed me to reflect on and better understand experiences I’ve had throughout my life. It’s a beautiful and accessible read, and it had a lasting impact on me.
I’ve always felt a strong desire to do things that help people. [...] When I came across DPA and learned about its Programs, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. At DPA, I can contribute to helping people in both direct and indirect ways.
Tell us about your academic background. Feel free to mention other key achievements and experiences that were particularly relevant to you.
Amanda: Before joining DPA, I completed my undergraduate degree in “Letras,” which is the Portuguese equivalent of a degree in languages and literature. It focuses on education, grammar, and literature. I studied both Portuguese and English. Afterward, I pursued a master’s degree in Brazilian literature, where I focused on the works of Lígia Fagundes Telles. During my master’s, I was awarded the CAPES scholarship, which is given to top-performing students, particularly for excellence in text interpretation.
Bárbara: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and am a licensed psychologist here in Brazil. During my undergraduate years, I was heavily involved in research, exploring topics ranging from cognitive dissonance to Indigenous women’s health and ethical inclusion. I’ve also been passionate about youth leadership and took part in several international programs aimed at enhancing young people’s leadership skills. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Global Health at the University of Geneva.
Letícia: I’m currently an undergraduate student in public policy management. Since the beginning of my studies, I’ve been involved in scientific research through a scholarship offered by my university. My research focuses on LGBTQ issues, particularly public policies for LGBTQ individuals in Brazil. I’ve also started exploring topics related to fake news and platform governance. I realized I was passionate about both areas, so I began to investigate the connections between the LGBTQ community and the digital space, specifically digital rights. Additionally, I joined the youth delegation of the Internet Steering Committee, where I was selected as one of 20 youths to participate in both the Brazilian and Latin American Internet Governance Forums.
What inspired you to join DPA?
Amanda: I’ve always felt a strong desire to do things that help people. For example, I was a teacher for many years, and I always felt this internal drive to make a difference and ensure that what I do matters. When I came across DPA and learned about its Programs, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. I feel that at DPA, I can contribute to helping people in both direct and indirect ways, which really motivated me to join the team.
Bárbara: I completely agree with what Amanda said. For me, coming from a psychology background, we often focus on the individual level, which is important, but I’ve always wanted to expand that perspective and have a more collective impact. During my undergraduate research, I studied Indigenous women’s mental health, and it became clear that focusing solely on biological and psychological factors wasn’t enough. Social, cultural, political, and economic structures also play a significant role in well-being. This realization eventually led me to Gender Studies and, ultimately, to DPA’s Data Feminism Program. In this Program, we not only conduct academic research but also engage with policymakers and community representatives to drive real change. It’s about more than just research—it’s about creating impact.
Letícia: When I first discovered DPA, I was specifically looking for organizations that worked on gender issues. The first opportunity I found was helping organize the Book and Moview Club “Technology Through Feminist Lenses”, and I quickly realized I could combine my passion for books with digital rights issues. I was eager to join DPA because it brings together so many of my interests, including working on gender issues at an international level. DPA has allowed me to align all my passions, and it’s incredibly exciting to be in this environment, working alongside such inspiring women.
In the Data Feminism Program, we not only conduct academic research but also engage with policymakers and community representatives to drive real change. It’s about more than just research—it’s about creating impact.
You all started as Interns and have since progressed to Officer roles. Can you share more about that journey and how it unfolded?
Amanda: Yes, Letícia and I started as interns together, and we transitioned to officer roles at the same time. Initially, we both worked on the Book and Movie Club, and I was also involved in Communications, while Letícia was doing research on disinformation. We were really excited and motivated about the work we were doing. During our internship, we got the opportunity to work on another Book Club called “Counting Feminicide with Catherine D’Ignazio“. As we were finishing our internships, this new Book Club started, and that’s how we made the transition from interns to officers.
Bárbara: My journey was a bit different because I work in the Data Feminism Program. I started about a month after Amanda and Letícia. Initially, I was focused on a single project with Fòs Feminista, which centered on sexual and reproductive health and rights and youth-friendly approaches—topics I’m really passionate about. With my background in gender studies and psychology, I was deeply committed to this work. I contributed to research tasks like literature reviews and interviews. After that project, I started working on several other research initiatives, including ILDA (the Open Initiative for Open Data in Latin America), a project with UN Women Bangladesh on Care Systems, and a gender and climate change project focused on Brazil. Recently, with the severe flooding in South Brazil, we observed an increase in gender-based violence in shelters, which added urgency to the work. In addition to research, I also support fundraising efforts.
Letícia: The three of us started as interns, and in the beginning, we had weekly meetings together, which really helped us grow together at DPA. It was great to share what we were working on and exchange insights during those meetings. I believe those discussions helped us a lot. DPA offers the opportunity to gain a lot of experience in a short time. Personally, I’ve improved my English, project management, and writing skills, especially since English isn’t our first language as Brazilians. DPA has really helped us grow not just professionally but also in terms of language and soft skills. I was thrilled to be promoted to Project Officer because I truly enjoy the environment and the work we do here.
In what areas do you hope to grow professionally during your time at DPA? Additionally, are there any skills or specific knowledge you've gained so far that you find particularly valuable?
Amanda: One area I’m already working on is improving my communication skills. For instance, writing a blog post might seem simple, but it’s actually quite challenging. You need to know how to summarize information, ensure everything makes sense, and keep it concise. Writing in a professional context is very different from casual writing, and it’s something I’m really focused on developing. On a lighter note, I’ve also learned how to use Excel to create sheets, which is something I didn’t know how to do before!
Bárbara: Yes, I’ve also been using Excel more than I expected! I primarily consider myself a qualitative researcher, even before joining DPA, but since we focus so much on data, I’ve been eager to expand my quantitative research skills. We even have a Slack channel for qualitative researchers looking to improve their data science skills, which is really helpful. Being able to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a well-rounded perspective is something I’m aiming for. Additionally, language skills are a big focus for me. At DPA, we work in multiple languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Some days, I’ll have a meeting in Spanish, then switch to writing a paper in English, and later speak to a colleague in Portuguese. Since joining DPA, I’ve also noticed a big difference between doing research in academia and working in a “think-and-do” tank. The workflow is very different, and it’s been great to learn how we operate here.
Letícia: DPA’s environment is one where you can improve a wide range of skills because you’re constantly learning something new. Language skills, in particular, have been important for me. I’ve already improved my English and Spanish, and working in an international setting has helped me gain confidence in speaking and working in another language. Since joining DPA, I’ve also gained a lot of confidence in general. I’ve learned to use new tools, like content analysis tools, as I’m researching dis/misinformation. Amanda has been a great help with my communication skills, especially in creating social media content. Many of our projects require not only scientific skills but also strong communication abilities, and I feel like we’re always improving in those areas.
My research focuses on LGBTQ issues in Brazil. I’ve also started exploring topics related to fake news and platform governance... DPA has allowed me to align all my passions, and it’s incredibly exciting to be in this environment, working alongside such inspiring women.
Can you tell us about a project you've worked on during your time at DPA that you found particularly interesting? What made it stand out for you?
Amanda: I’d have to say the Book and Movie Clubs, which take place under DPA’s Technology and Democracy Program, have been the most interesting projects for me. Coming from a literature background, working on the clubs has been an amazing experience. I feel like they truly show how we are impacting people’s lives. Participants often say things like, “I never thought of it that way,” or “I never considered this book or technology from that perspective.” Being part of the Book and Movie Clubs has changed my own perspective, especially on the concepts of “the individual” and “the collective.” Everyone has their unique way of interpreting books and movies, but these initiatives allow us to share these interpretations and build a sense of community around them.
Bárbara: My favorite project so far has been with Fòs Feminista, which focuses on increasing and strengthening digital sexual and reproductive health services with youth-friendly approaches in Latin America. I’m deeply passionate about sexual and reproductive health and rights, and this project has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives. Fòs Feminista works with a large network of partners who are implementing digital sexual and reproductive health interventions for young people. We researched these interventions, studying their youth-friendly approaches. What made this project so exciting was its potential to help Fòs Feminista improve how their partners serve young people. We also had the opportunity to interview organizations on the ground in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, learning directly from those working with youth. That was incredibly eye-opening.
Letícia: For me, the most interesting project was specifically the Book and Movie Club, “Technology Through Feminist Lenses.” We were able to transform this club into a series of workshops, which we presented at various events in Brazil. We engaged different audiences, from technical experts to activists, and it was an incredible experience. One thing that stood out was the trust our leadership placed in us. Amanda and I were given the opportunity to travel to Curitiba, Brazil, where we presented at the Fórum da Internet no Brasil (FIB). It was a significant responsibility, but our leadership believed in us, and that made it even more rewarding.
What are your hobbies outside of DPA? What do you like to do outside work?
Amanda: I love eating—trying different places and new foods is probably my favorite thing to do! I also enjoy reading, and right now I’m reading “The Forbidden Notebook” by Alba de Céspedes, which I’m really enjoying. I like spending time at parks and being with my family, friends, boyfriend, and my cats.
Bárbara: My hobbies aren’t particularly exciting, but I love gardening. It started during the pandemic when I had just one plant, and before I knew it, I had around 40, including some potatoes growing in my backyard. Since I moved, I haven’t had any plants, but I definitely plan to get some because it really helps me relax. Another hobby I’ve had since I was 17 is being a “pen pal,” where I write letters to people from around the world. Through that, I’ve made many friends, some of whom I’ve been talking to for over five years. I also love baking, and on Sundays, you’ll usually find me in the kitchen trying out new recipes. All of my hobbies are the same things my grandma enjoys!
Letícia: I’m really into books—I love reading anywhere, whether at home, on public transportation, or wherever I am. I also love discovering new coffee shops, and I sometimes work from them, which is one of the perks of working remotely.
You’re all part of the Brazilian DPA team. While most of DPA works remotely, can you share more about your in-person work dynamic? Have you had the chance to meet in person?
Amanda: We have a tradition where the Brazil team tries to meet on Tuesdays. This includes me, Letícia, Anna Spinardi (Director of DPA’s Data Feminism Program), and Julie Ricard (Director of DPA’s Technology and Democracy Program), all of whom live in São Paulo. Since we’re in the same city, we gather at Julie’s house to work together. Working in person feels very different, and a lot of our ideas stem from these meetings. We’ve also had the chance to meet Bárbara, even though she doesn’t live in São Paulo.
Bárbara: My experience has been a bit different because when I lived in Brazil, I was based in Brasilia. I visited São Paulo once, and we all met for coffee, which was great. Since I worked remotely and no one else was in the same city, we relied on virtual weekly meetings. In those meetings, we’d catch up on how we were doing, how work was progressing, and other updates. We still have these meetings in the Data Feminism Program, which is great because working remotely can feel isolating at times, but these meetings create a space for connection.
Letícia: I love working remotely—it’s amazing because you can work from anywhere. But I also really enjoy when the São Paulo team meets in person. It’s great to spend time together and share the same space, which makes it easier to dive into projects or discussions that are harder to have online. I think a balance between remote and in-person work is ideal, allowing us to get the best of both worlds.
To learn more about DPA’s team, visit this page.
