Virginia Access to Justice Commission - 2025 Pro Bono Service Honor Roll
It is with great honor that I have been recognized by the Virginia Access to Justice Commission and included in the 2025 Pro Bono Service Honor Roll for my pro bono contributions during the 2023 to 2024 bar year. This recognition reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those who may not otherwise have the means to afford legal representation.
Over the years, I have made it my mission to serve the community, offering my legal expertise to those who need it most. Through this service, I strive to make a meaningful impact by bridging gaps and helping those in vulnerable situations navigate the complexities of the legal system.
As part of this honor, I have been invited to attend the Virginia State Bar Access to Legal Services Luncheon on June 12, 2025, in Virginia Beach, where I will be formally recognized as an Pro Bono Service Honor Roll Member of the Virginia Bar Association. The event will be attended by leaders from both the bench and bar, as well as Virginia attorneys and judges from all levels of the court system. I am looking forward to being part of this celebration and sharing in the collective efforts of my colleagues to continue promoting justice and fairness.
This recognition is not just a personal achievement but also a reminder of the impact we can have through collective action, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of this important cause.
Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution
Pepperdine University
Earning my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University was not just an academic achievement—it was the culmination of a decade-long journey of personal, professional, and spiritual growth. This degree represents more than legal expertise; it embodies the integration of law, psychology, and spirituality—three fields that together helped me make sense of human behavior and find my place in contributing to a greater good.
Over the years, as I engaged with the study of dispute resolution, I began to see how law regulates human behavior, psychology explains human behavior, and spirituality points to the origins of that behavior. This powerful realization helped me reconcile my lifelong pursuit of understanding human actions. The degree not only expanded my legal knowledge but also led me to explore the deeper layers of human interaction, which include the psychological and spiritual dimensions that influence how we resolve conflicts.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of this journey was the publication of my academic research article in the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal. The article explored the application of insights from the Enneagram model of human psychology to enhance neutrality and success in mediation. This research allowed me to combine my passion for both psychology and conflict resolution, showing how a deeper understanding of human personality can foster more effective, empathetic mediation processes.
Through this program, I was able to reconcile my personal journey of growth with my professional goals, allowing me to contribute more meaningfully to the world around me. I learned that true peacemaking goes beyond resolving disputes—it’s about understanding the root causes of conflict and helping others heal and transform from within. This degree is a testament to my commitment to improving myself—as a person, as a professional, and as a contributor to the greater good.
Ultimately, this journey has shaped me into a more compassionate, mindful, and effective peacemaker, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have merged my passion for law, psychology, and spirituality in this way.
Presented by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
This Certificate of Appreciation honors my dedicated volunteer service as a mediator for the Community Police Unification Program, recognizing the meaningful contributions made to strengthen the relationship between the people of Los Angeles and the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department who serve and protect them.
Having grown up in Brazil during the military dictatorship, with a father who was the chief of the police department in São Paulo, and with a brother, sister-in-law, and niece who have all had lifelong careers in the São Paulo police, I am particularly devoted to bridging the gap between civilians and law enforcement. My personal experiences—having witnessed robberies, survived kidnappings, and dealt with the trauma of shootings—have shaped my understanding of both the complexities and the human side of policing. These experiences have fueled my steadfast commitment to promoting dialogue, fostering trust, and advancing mutual understanding between communities and law enforcement.
This recognition reflects my belief in the transformative power of compassionate leadership and active civic engagement. Through this work, I have had the honor of helping build bridges that create a more connected, respectful, and unified Los Angeles.
In accordance with the California Dispute Resolution Programs Act
Completing the Mediator, Conciliator, and Facilitator Training in accordance with the California Dispute Resolution Programs Act has been a deeply meaningful experiences in my professional journey. This training not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge to mediate disputes but also deepened my commitment to fostering peace and understanding within the community.
Over the course of this training, I devoted myself to 200 hours of voluntary service, offering my time and energy to help Angelenos resolve conflicts in a way that preserves relationships and fosters mutual respect. This experience has been transformative, allowing me to play a pivotal role in helping individuals and communities find common ground and work through challenges that might otherwise have escalated. Through mediation, I’ve contributed to creating more harmony and understanding throughout our city, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have made a significant impact on the lives of many.
My dedication to conflict resolution has also led me to serve as a trainer for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where I’ve been privileged to help others develop their own conflict resolution skills. Working with mediators and employees from the office has allowed me to share what I’ve learned and help build a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to resolving disputes and making a difference in our communities.
This work has been a true calling, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such important work, contributing to a more peaceful and connected city.
Through the guidance of master teachers Russ Hudson, Jessica Dibb, and Gayle Scott, I completed an in-depth Enneagram Teacher Training Certification Program, earning the title of Certified Professional Enneagram Teacher.
This certification represents more than just a professional credential—it marks a meaningful milestone in my own journey of growth and service. The training deepened my understanding of the Enneagram not just as a personality system, but as a dynamic, compassionate map of human consciousness. It taught me how to hold space for transformation—how to meet people where they are, and to guide them gently toward greater self-awareness, healing, and presence.
With this certification, I am honored and authorized to teach the Enneagram to individuals and groups, and to integrate its wisdom into my work with clients. It is a privilege to share this powerful tool with others as they awaken to the truth of who they are.
Earning the Advanced Family and Dependency Court Mediation Certificate from Southern California Family Mediation, Inc. has not only deepened my own understanding of mediation but also inspired me to take a larger role in guiding other mediators. This specialized 40-hour training prepared me to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community—families and children in crisis—by providing the tools to mediate with skill, compassion, and a deep commitment to peaceful resolution.
Beyond completing the program, I have been called to lead others in this important work, developing and facilitating training programs specifically designed for Dependency Court mediators. My mission is to equip these professionals to navigate the complex and often heartbreaking dynamics of family and dependency court matters, providing a path toward healing, understanding, and stability for all involved.
This certificate affirms my belief that by saving families, we strengthen communities, and by supporting children, we invest in the future. It is a privilege to help others learn how to make a meaningful impact in this transformative work.
Receiving my license to practice law in the Superior and Inferior Courts of Virginia through certification by the Supreme Court of Virginia was a significant milestone in my legal journey. Although I have not pursued a career as a traditional litigator, this certification has provided me with important access to the courts of Virginia, which has been a catalyst for my work in alleviating court backlogs and contributing to peacebuilding outside of the courtroom.
While many lawyers focus on litigation, my path has led me to a deep commitment to mediation and alternative dispute resolution, where I can play a meaningful role in resolving conflicts before they ever reach a trial. The license to practicein Virginia’s courts has allowed me to bring my passion for peacebuilding to the forefront, working to bridge dividesand foster collaboration both within and beyond the legal system.
Through my work, I’ve been able to support individuals and organizations in finding common ground, helping to reduce strain on the judicial system while contributing to the greater goal of building a more peaceful and just society.
Earning my Master of Intellectual Property from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School was a pivotal moment in my legal career—one that not only provided me with the necessary qualifications to sit for the Virginia Bar Exam but also expanded my legal horizons far beyond my home country of Brazil.
This program served as a launchpad for my transition into a global legal career. It equipped me with the knowledge and expertise in intellectual property law, a field that became the foundation of my work as a corporate attorney. Through this degree, I was able to build a successful career with international responsibilities, overseeing legal matters across 40 countries and collaborating with colleagues from all corners of the globe. The program opened doors that allowed me to engage in cross-cultural legal work, which has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
As I traveled the world, learning about various cultures, languages, and legal systems, I gained invaluable perspectives that have enriched my professional and personal life. The exposure to diverse ways of thinking, working, and living has broadened my worldview, allowing me to approach legal issues with a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
Ultimately, my Master of Intellectual Property degree from Franklin Pierce has not only shaped me into a more well-rounded and effective attorney but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the global legal community. I am grateful for the opportunities this program has provided, and for the path it has paved in helping me build a truly international career.
Receiving the Juris Doctor Certificate of Equivalency from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Lawwas a significant milestone in my legal career. This certificate acknowledges that my five years of bachelor’s degree studies in law in São Paulo, Brazil, combined with five years of work and practice in the legal field, and further enhanced by my Master’s Degree in the United States, meet the equivalent requirements for the Juris Doctor Programat George Mason University.
This recognition not only reflects the depth and breadth of my legal education and professional experience but also served as a recommendation for me to take the Virginia Bar Exam. With this support, I was able to pursue the next step in my legal journey and successfully practice law in Virginia, where I developed a fulfilling and successful career as an in-house corporate lawyer.
Looking back, this achievement is more than just a professional credential—it is a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and commitment to continually growing in my field. The combination of my international legal education, practical experience, and ongoing personal and professional development has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me.
Earning my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of São Paulo (USP) has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. USP is widely recognized as one of the best law schools in the world, known for its selective acceptance rate and its legacy of shaping some of the greatest minds in Brazilian history. The school has been home to presidents, activists, poets, judges, lawyers, and diplomats who have had a profound impact on the nation’s political and social landscape. It is a place where intellectual rigor meets commitment to social justice, and it has forever influenced my approach to law and life.
USP’s history of political activism during Brazil’s military dictatorship played a pivotal role in shaping my own understanding of justice and fairness. It has always been a center for great intellectual debate, where the minds and hearts of Brazil’s academic elite are nurtured. This tradition of resilience, courage, and a passion for justice has resonated deeply with me, guiding me as I pursued my path in law.
The knowledge and values I gained at USP launched me into a splendid journey of becoming a voice for justice and integrity—one that has led me to advocate for fair market practices, protect the essence of people and brands, and foster corporate responsibility. My legal education at USP has also been instrumental in shaping my approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The program helped me develop a deep sense of responsibility, not only to the law but also to the well-being of people and society as a whole.
I am profoundly grateful for the education and inspiration that USP provided, as it continues to influence my work and contributions to the legal profession and beyond. My time there has equipped me with the tools to shape a career focused on fairness, justice, and building a better future for others.
This Certificate of Completion in Advanced Ministerial Studies from the Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy marks the culmination of a five-year journey of deep study, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. While it recognizes the completion of an intensive program, it is so much more than an academic milestone. It represents my unwavering commitment to a life of service, ministry, and a deepened relationship with the Divine.
Throughout this journey, I learned that true ministry is not about a title or position—it’s about being a living expression of God’s presence in every moment. If I am called to minister, I am called to do so with the awareness that God is always with me, guiding every word, every action, and every choice. Ministry is about walking alongside others, not to overshadow their journey, but to gently support and uplift them, helping them to connect with their own inner light and love, just as Christ did for all who sought Him.
This program has instilled in me the importance of loving others through both their wounds and joys, serving with the heart of Christ and striving to be a vessel for God’s Divine love. It is through this love and humble service that I aim to help others heal, grow, and awaken to their divine essence.
This certificate represents my readiness—not only in knowledge but in heart—to minister with deep humility, awareness, and a profound respect for the divine spark in all people. I am committed to walking this sacred path with faith, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve.
Completing the Soul-Centered Professional Coaching Certification from the University of Santa Monica has been a transformative journey, one that deeply shaped my approach to coaching and helped me build a business dedicated to guiding individuals, parents, educators, executives, and leaders toward authentic lives of fulfillment and service.
Through 180 hours of coach-specific training, I learned to guide clients through sustainable, meaningful change—helping them achieve success not only on the Goal Line (external accomplishments) but also on the Soul Line (inner fulfillment, purpose, and spiritual growth). This holistic approach allowed me to see that true success comes from integrating the outer achievements with the inner wisdom, helping clients align both.
This certification goes beyond professional training; it represents my deep commitment to being of service to others—helping them live with greater joy, purpose, and contribution. Today, I am privileged to share this work through my coaching practice, empowering others to step into their full potential and make an impact in both their personal and professional lives.
My journey toward earning a Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology began with a doctor's prescription to heal a chronic health condition. What started as a physical healing process soon evolved into something far more transformative. Over the course of a three-year program at the University of Santa Monica, I was guided not only to heal my body but also to address the deeper mental and emotional baggage I had carried for years.
This program became a pathway of self-discovery and growth, where I learned that true healing requires more than just alleviating symptoms. It’s about conscious participation in the healing process—honoring the soul's journey and allowing ourselves to transcend old patterns, not to revisit them endlessly, but to move through them for the last time. This process was not just about healing my physical body, but also about healing my emotional wounds and mental blocks, leading me to a place of greater peace, clarity, and wholeness.
The degree itself represents not just academic achievement, but a profound personal and spiritual evolution. It’s a commitment to living with self-awareness, compassion, and the courage to look within. This program taught me that healing is an ongoing process that integrates all aspects of our being—mind, body, and spirit.
Today, I stand committed to living as a healing presence in the world, guided by the love and wisdom I’ve cultivated through this journey. And I carry forward the sacred intention of this education: to cure ourselves, not just to treat symptoms, and to help others walk this path toward wholeness and awakening.
Earning my Doctorate in Spiritual Science from the Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy was the culmination of a deeply personal, five-year journey—one that invited me into profound spiritual practice, healing, and transformation. Rooted in the principles of Soul Transcendence, this path became not just a course of study, but a living devotion to Spirit—one that reshaped how I serve, how I love, and how I live.
Throughout this sacred process, I came to embody a simple but powerful truth: you know you're in God's work by how much you're expanding—and by how much more effectively you're doing it. That insight became a compass for my life, encouraging me to step forward with greater purpose, clarity, and compassion.
This degree didn't mark a conclusion—it opened a doorway. One of the most tangible and vulnerable expressions of that expansion was the birth of my book, Naked Truth: My Journey to Divine Intimacy. Writing it was an act of devotion, a continuation of the inner work and a way to share the blessings, challenges, and revelations that came through walking this path.
This doctorate is more than an academic achievement—it is a living testament to my commitment to walk in deeper alignment with the Divine, in service, love, and authenticity.
