Maria Clara Oliveira Vieira

Change Agent, Christian, Project manager

I come from a small town in Brazil and have always been passionate about TED Talks. I love reading books, listening to podcasts, engaging in conversations with people, and playing table tennis. Being a TED Translator is something I truly enjoy because it allows me to make incredible TED Talks more accessible to Brazilian audiences, ensuring that these powerful ideas reach even more people.

I am deeply passionate about social projects and community engagement. Leadership is something I truly enjoy—I thrive when taking initiative, guiding teams, and working collaboratively to create meaningful change. I strongly believe in the power of teamwork, in bringing people together, and in fostering environments where individuals can grow and support each other. I even run a project where teenagers can meet and discuss personal development, helping them build confidence and find direction in their lives. Creating opportunities for dialogue, mentorship, and collective growth is something that excites me, and I actively seek ways to contribute to projects that drive positive impact. For me, leadership isn’t just about leading—it’s about empowering others, fostering connections, and making a lasting difference.

The idea "You must first aspire before you can inspire." suggests that before you can positively influence others, you need to cultivate ambition, purpose, and personal growth within yourself. Aspiration is the foundation—it drives you to learn, improve, and push boundaries. Once you have that sense of direction and determination, you can then inspire others through your actions, achievements, and mindset. When you chase your dreams, develop your skills, and overcome challenges, you naturally become someone others look up to. Inspiration isn’t just words—it’s rooted in the journey you take and the impact you create. In other words, meaningful inspiration comes from experience.

It all started on a weekend when I was watching TED Talks, completely fascinated by the powerful ideas being shared. I had already watched countless talks, read books about TED, and felt deeply connected to its mission. Curious to learn more, I began exploring different ways to get involved—until I discovered TED Translators. Realizing that I could help bring these incredible talks to a wider audience, I immediately applied, got accepted, and embarked on my journey as a TED Translator. Since then, it's been an amazing experience, allowing me to contribute to making knowledge more accessible and impactful for Portuguese speakers.

Most people see me as an outgoing and extroverted person, but what they don’t realize is that I’m also highly observant. I have a keen ability to notice patterns in behavior, understand dynamics in different situations, and pick up on details that others might overlook. This skill helps me navigate interactions, adapt to different environments, and connect with people in a deeper, more intuitive way.