Luiza Vilanova

Biography

Luiza Diniz Vilanova, New York, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University in 2024 with a BA in Political Science and Education. Born in the United States but raised in rural Brazil, she has founded multiple organizations supporting low-income Brazilian youth, including the organization for which she currently serves as CEO, Tocando em Frente. Tocando em Frente has partnered with 19 Brazilian states to combat school dropout through community programming, impacting over 11,000 students. Luiza is one of ten members of the UNICEF Youth International Council, where she has worked to advance mental health. As an undergraduate, Vilanova investigated changes in campaign finance legislation and the impact of widespread civic engagement while assessing methodologies to support women’s political leadership. She enjoys running, roller skating, and Broadway musicals. At Oxford, she intends to pursue a Masters of Public Policy and an MSc Education.