Academic Gilson da Cruz Rodrigues is a prominent Brazilian community leader, recognized for his work as President of G10 Favelas, a coalition of leaders and entrepreneurs from the 10 largest favelas in the country, which together represent a consumer potential of R$7.9 billion. Born in Itambé, Bahia, and raised in the Paraisópolis favela in São Paulo, Gilson has transformed his personal journey into a mission to improve the lives of residents of these communities. Under his leadership, G10 Favelas has developed numerous projects focused on the economic and social development of favelas, including entrepreneurship, education, and health initiatives. He is also the founder of the Favela Stock Exchange and of G10 Bank Participações, in addition to creating the G10 Innovation Hub, known as the "Silicon Valley of the Favelas." Throughout his career, Gilson has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his work, including the 2020 Social Entrepreneur Award from Folha de S.Paulo, the Anchieta Medal and Gratitude Diploma from the City of São Paulo in 2021, and was named "Man of the Year in Social Mobilization" by GQ Brasil magazine in 2022, establishing himself as an influential figure in the fight for the social and economic inclusion of marginalized communities in Brazil.
