Dandara Tinoco
Meet Dandara, who leads strategic communications for Imaginable Futures in Brazil. A journalist by training (PUC-Rio), she also holds a master’s degree in Public Policy, Strategy, and Development from UFRJ. Dandara is passionate about exploring how communication and research intersect to shape public opinion and policymaking.
With over 16 years of professional experience, she previously worked as an independent consultant supporting nonprofit organizations in designing and implementing communication strategies. Dandara spent eight years as a reporter for O Globo newspaper, primarily covering topics related to economics and public policy. She also worked for six years at the Igarapé Institute as a project coordinator, researcher, and communications manager, focusing mainly on issues of public security and criminal justice. Additionally, she served as Policy Communications Manager for Brazil at Meta. Dandara is part of the Columbia Women’s Leadership Network Program in Brazil.
Q&A
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm proud to have always worked to drive change from within the organizations I've been part of — especially by promoting racial equity and a more just and balanced way of living. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that decentralizing and sharing responsibilities is essential not only for our own health, but also because collective efforts tend to produce more meaningful and lasting results.
What lessons did you learn early in your career that you keep with you today?
As a reporter, I learned something that still guides me today: asking the right questions can be just as important as having the answers. Questions are powerful tools—not only for deepening our understanding of different topics, but also for sparking reflection in others and within ourselves.
Why do you love coming to work?
In a world where overlapping crises often lead to pessimism, I find comfort—and renewed energy every day—in working alongside people who truly believe a more just future is possible.
If you didn’t work at Imaginable Futures, what would you be doing?
I’d totally be a visual artist—if talent was optional.
If you could be one character from a book? Who would you choose and why?
I’d most likely be Mafalda, the eternally curious little philosopher created by Argentine illustrator Quino—constantly questioning life, society, and why grown-ups insist on making everything so complicated.
Where is your happy place?
My place, when it’s full of friends and the smell of something delicious cooking.
What’s the closest thing to real magic in this world?
Music from Bahia. Scientific fact: drums can cure sore body and soul.
If someone narrated your life, who would you want it to be?
The actress Zezé Motta. Besides having an expressive voice, she holds a special place in my life: it was because of her performance in the film Quilombo (1984) that I was given my name.
Sunrise or sunset?
A day that ends with a beautiful sunset feels like the universe decided to give you a little prize.
Favorite quote:
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis