Rede Autoestima-se strengthens ties with Ashoka's global office in Washington and bolsters its international presence

A connection that strengthens social impact

Building solutions to increasingly complex social challenges depends on collaboration among organizations, leaders, and impact networks around the world.

It was in this spirit that Rede Autoestima-se strengthened its institutional relationship with Ashoka's global office, in Washington, D.C. with Bill Drayton, broadening the dialogue on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and mental health.

The meeting represents another step in the organization's internationalization strategy and reinforces Rede Autoestima-se's commitment to building partnerships capable of generating positive impact within and beyond Brazil.

More than an institutional agenda, the moment symbolizes the recognition of the importance of connecting local initiatives to global networks of social transformation.

The largest network of social entrepreneurs in the world

Founded in 1980, Ashoka is internationally recognized as one of the largest organizations dedicated to strengthening social entrepreneurship.

Present in dozens of countries, the organization connects social entrepreneurs, investors, civil society organizations, companies, universities, and leaders committed to building innovative solutions to social challenges.

Over more than four decades, Ashoka has supported thousands of social entrepreneurs responsible for developing initiatives in the areas of education, health, the environment, democracy, inclusion, economic development, and human rights.

Its work stems from the conviction that every person can be an agent of transformation when they find support, collaboration, and opportunities to innovate.

A dialogue on innovation and mental health

During the agenda in Washington, representatives of Rede Autoestima-se shared the organization's history, its programs aimed at promoting mental health, and the results achieved by initiatives developed in Brazil.

The conversations also addressed topics such as:

• strengthening social entrepreneurship;
• innovation applied to collective impact;
• mental health as a strategy for social development;
• collaboration among civil society organizations;
• internationalization of Brazilian initiatives;
• building global partnerships.

The exchange of experiences reaffirms the importance of international cooperation in expanding solutions capable of responding to contemporary challenges.

Mental health as a global priority

In recent years, mental health has come to occupy a central place in international discussions on human development and social innovation.

Organizations from different countries have recognized that emotional well-being directly influences topics such as education, employability, leadership, citizen participation, and sustainable development.

In this context, Rede Autoestima-se's work aligns with a global agenda that seeks to expand access to mental health services, strengthen communities, and develop innovative solutions for populations in situations of vulnerability.

The closer relationship with Ashoka represents an opportunity to broaden this dialogue and share experiences built from the Brazilian reality.

Building bridges between Brazil and the world

Rede Autoestima-se believes that social innovation happens when different organizations share knowledge, methodologies, and lessons learned.

Strengthening international relations makes it possible to learn about new practices, establish strategic collaborations, and expand the reach of projects developed in Brazil.

By strengthening ties with Ashoka Global, the organization reaffirms its commitment to taking part in international networks that drive systemic change and encourage the development of increasingly effective solutions to social challenges.

These connections also expand opportunities for technical cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and the development of joint initiatives.

A path built on social entrepreneurship

Since its creation, Rede Autoestima-se has developed projects that bring together mental health, social-emotional education, innovation, and social impact.

Throughout this journey, the organization has consolidated national and international partnerships, implemented programs aimed at young people, women, social leaders, and organizations, and strengthened its work on topics related to the prevention of emotional illness and human development.

Ongoing dialogue with international organizations is part of this vision for the future, based on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the building of collective solutions.

Looking ahead to the next challenges

The closer relationship with Ashoka's global office represents another step in Rede Autoestima-se's process of institutional strengthening.

By taking part in international spaces for dialogue, the organization expands its capacity to learn, collaborate, and contribute to a global agenda focused on social innovation and the promotion of mental health.

We continue to believe that the social challenges of the 21st century demand cooperation, trust, and networks capable of connecting people and organizations committed to transformation.

It is through these connections that new ideas emerge, good practices grow stronger, and local initiatives gain the potential to generate impact at scale.