In 2020, the world faced unprecedented challenges. Amid a global pandemic and political uncertainty, many wondered how to navigate the future. Yet, even in these times of hardship, stories of resilience and innovation began to emerge. It was from this spirit that Impactos Positivos was born. Founded by Gisele Abrahão, the initiative became a beacon of hope, designed to recognize and celebrate those making a tangible difference in the world.
Gisele saw not only the difficulties around her but also the perseverance and creativity of individuals and businesses. She believed that, even in adversity, there was an opportunity to highlight those committed to building a better future. From the beginning, Impactos Positivos was more than an award—it was a platform to celebrate hope, progress, and the unwavering commitment to positive action.
At its core, Impactos Positivos aimed to utilize the power of technology to create a digital catalog of individuals and organizations driving positive change. This catalog served as a platform to shine a spotlight on those transforming society through social, environmental, and economic impact. But it didn’t stop there. Civil society engagement became a critical focus. From the outset, Impactos Positivos recognized that for an economy to truly embrace positive impact, everyone—individuals, businesses, and communities—must understand its importance.
In its first year, the response was overwhelming. The initiative quickly gained traction, with widespread engagement that far exceeded expectations. People and businesses alike resonated with the message of positive change, and Impactos Positivos became a symbol of progress during a time of uncertainty.
As Impactos Positivos continues to grow, the vision for the future is clear. The movement is not just about celebrating the present; it is about ensuring continuity and impact in the years to come. We are structuring the initiative to guarantee that the Impactos Positivos Award remains a permanent fixture in the entrepreneurial and societal landscape.
By providing ongoing support and resources to businesses and organizations that drive positive change, we aim to foster an environment where these enterprises can not only survive but thrive. The goal is to help impactful businesses scale their efforts and maximize their influence, creating a ripple effect of positive action throughout the economy.
Our ambitions extend far beyond Brazil’s borders. At Impactos Positivos, we believe that the principles and values driving this movement have the potential to inspire meaningful change across countries and economies worldwide. The platform and award have already demonstrated the transformative power of positive impact—but this is only the beginning.
In 2025, we took a bold step forward by founding Impactos Positivos Global Platform Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. This international entity will serve as the foundation for expanding our model—successfully implemented and refined in Brazil—to new regions around the globe.
At the heart of our mission lies a powerful conviction: economies can be sustained, revitalized, and made to thrive through businesses of impact. These are enterprises that align profit with purpose, growth with regeneration, and innovation with inclusion.
By celebrating and supporting positive impact globally, we aim to build a better future for everyone. Our vision is a world where businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to co-create a sustainable, equitable, and vibrant new economy—united for positive impact.
Impactos Positivos is a movement—a movement that recognizes the power of positive action, celebrates those who dare to make a difference, and inspires others to follow in their footsteps. At its heart, it is about showing that change is possible and that every individual, business, and organization has a role to play in building a better tomorrow.
Together, we can create a world where every action contributes to a brighter future. A world where businesses are more than just profit-driven entities, but catalysts for societal and environmental progress. A world where positive impact is not just an option but a priority.
As we continue on this journey, Impactos Positivos will serve as a guiding light, inspiring and supporting those who believe in the power of change. We invite you to join us in this movement. Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and hopeful future.