Giovanna was born in Curitiba but due to her father’s work in the Brazilian military has lived all over Brazil while she was growing up. Moving constantly and being able to get to know her country and its diversity and culture from an early age gave her a better understanding of her culture and its people, and sparked a love and curiosity for other cultures outside of her own. That interest only grew when her family lived in Pretoria, South Africa for two years, which gave her the opportunity and tools to learn english and develop a love for the country.

She obtained her degree in Law at Universidade Federal do Paraná in 2023. The university made it possible for her to participate in the Migration, Refuge and Hospitality extension project. Project aimed at assisting migrants in their adaptation to Brazil, especially regarding the validation of their national diplomas and assisting in obtaining refugee status in Brazil. Still during her studies she was able to intern at Defensoria Pública do Paraná and found a love for family law and the opportunity it gave to improve people’s daily lives. After graduation, Giovanna started a graduate course in family law and was able to keep working at Defensoria Pública.

At the end of 2024, Giovanna found herself looking for a place of work that reflected her values, worked towards a common purpose and made it possible for her to expand her knowledge. When the opportunity to work at Massa Viana appeared it was clear that it was what she was looking for. She quickly fell in love with the honest and kind work environment and hopes to be able to keep contributing to people’s lives through her work at Massa Viana.

She currently works as a paralegal in the removal team, with Attorney Amanda LaRocca. Fluent in both English and Portuguese, Giovanna is intermediate in Spanish and is looking to learn more to better assist clients in their needs. Giovanna also knows basic Mandarin, which she hopes to develop further in the future.

In her personal time Giovanna enjoys spending time with family, going out to eat with friends, serving at her local church and taking care of her gerbils, Chuvisco, Paçoca and Sheldon.

Education

B.A. Law – Universidade Federal do Paraná (2023)