Expert Bio

Lara was Program Assistant of the Brazil Institute from July 2018 to March 2020, where she developed and executed the Institute’s communications strategy, led program operations, and provided fundraising and strategic support to the director. During her time at the Institute, Lara led the creation of the 2018 Brazilian Election Portal and co-organized the report "A Snapshot of the Status of Women in Brazil: 2019". 

Prior to joining the Wilson Center's Brazil Institute, Lara served as Academic Affairs Intern at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University, where she researched Lusophone external assistance to Africa's security sector. Previously, she interned with the Press and Public Diplomacy section at the Embassy of Brazil in Washington, D.C.

Lara holds a B.A. in International Studies from American University, with a focus on identity, race, gender, and culture issues.