The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Leona Shluger Forman, Founder of BrazilFoundation, as the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement in Social Responsibility Award. The award recognizes Ms. Forman’s exceptional contributions to philanthropy and social impact in Brazil, celebrating her dedication to mobilizing resources, connecting global support networks, and fostering transformative change in communities across the country.
Born in Tianjin, China to a Russian Jewish refugee family, Ms. Forman experienced displacement early in life. During the turmoil of the Chinese Revolution, her family found refuge in Rio de Janeiro, and at the age of 13, she had to navigate a new language, society, and culture – an experience that profoundly shaped her enduring commitment to global citizenship and social justice.
Ms. Forman earned a bachelor’s degree from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. A journalist and communications specialist, she spent over two decades serving in senior leadership roles at the United Nations, where she played a key role in informing global publics about the work of the UN. Upon retiring from the UN, she founded BrazilFoundation in 2000 with a vision to connect international philanthropy with grassroots social initiatives in Brazil. Under her leadership, BrazilFoundation has played a pivotal role in mobilizing resources to advance education, social justice, gender equity, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
Over the past 25 years, BrazilFoundation has made a profound impact, investing $53 million in 930 organizations across 300 cities in Brazil. By identifying and supporting initiatives that promote equity, socio-environmental justice, and opportunities for all, BrazilFoundation has established itself as a leading philanthropic institution with significant national reach.
Ms. Forman’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities has played a vital role in advancing socio-environmental justice and sustainable development in Brazil. Her leadership has not only transformed BrazilFoundation into a global model for effective philanthropy, but has also inspired a new generation of social investors – individual, family, and corporate – dedicated to creating lasting impact.
The Lifetime Achievement in Social Responsibility Award recognizes Leona Forman’s extraordinary leadership and legacy in the non-profit sector, her dedication to fostering social change, and her contributions to strengthening ties between Brazil and the international philanthropic community. The award will be presented to Ms. Forman at the 2025 Person of the Year Awards Gala Dinner on May 14th at the American Museum of Natural History.