June is a very special month for Diagonal, because on 28/06 we celebrate another year of history.
Diagonal was founded in 1990 in Recife with the aim of transforming lives through social change and the sustainable development of territories. Throughout this journey, despite the challenges faced, we have had countless achievements that make us proud and motivate us. In these 33 years, our purpose of transformation has guided us to look closely at people, their territories, needs and challenges.
We support companies, organizations and governments to generate positive social impact in their territories, with PEOPLE at the heart of our work - after all, people are our territory. We have expanded our horizons, working on public and private sector projects in more than 1,000 municipalities and 22 countries, alongside teams of dedicated, diverse and multidisciplinary professionals.
It is with great pride that we see in our history important contributions to the development of our country. We are pioneers in integrated social management and, because we believe in the power of business to solve complex socio-environmental problems, we are constantly striving to evolve in order to be an increasingly better company for the world. That's why, since 2019, we have been awarded the B Corporation seal, making us the first social and environmental management consultancy in this direction.
And we know that none of this would be possible if it weren't for each and every one of the people who accompany us on this journey of transformation. That's why, in celebration of Diagonal's 33rd anniversary, we're going to tell you 33 inspiring stories that reflect our essence. These stories feature employees, clients, partners and people whose lives have been directly impacted by our work. A small tribute to all those who have been and continue to be part of our legacy of transformation.
Thirty-three stories that make us look to the future with enthusiasm and determination, certain that when we join forces we are able to overcome obstacles, create opportunities and build a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable future.
Here's to 33 more years together!
Kátia Mello and Álvaro Jucá
Diagonal Co-Presidents
Simone Souza
Sehab project beneficiary and professional liquidator
"Where we used to live, the houses were right on the ravine and there was a risk of them collapsing. Today, as well as a new home, I have a new profession, as I've become a professional property manager. I'm proud of that, because it was the start of the new house that gave me the opportunity for a new profession. Today I'm studying business administration, working and looking after my three children."
Clarisse Guedes
Diagonal Collaborator
"Diagonal has allowed me to broaden my horizons by developing important skills that have strengthened me and encouraged me to move forward. I am grateful to Diagonal, to the people and to everyone who has inspired me and contributed to my growth over the years."
Denilson Couy
Diagonal Collaborator
"Diagonal was my first job and the company I've chosen to work for over the last 10 years. There have been many challenges in my career, but I learn and develop every day, both professionally and personally. The greatest learning I can highlight in my journey is valuing people."
Aline Paglarin
Diagonal Collaborator
"I often say that I hit the jackpot by joining Diagonal. I always dreamed of doing civil engineering, but that wasn't all - I dreamed of using engineering to make a difference. Transforming the lives of so many people with the delivery of their real estate registrations is knowing that I'm on the right path. To be at Diagonal is to be transformed and to be part of the transformation on a daily basis."
Valéria Schernardi
Diagonal Collaborator
"The universe conspired, Diagonal found me and I found myself in this place. It's been 20 years, and what a journey... so many different projects: diagnostics, research and community-based communication with urban and rural populations, traditional communities, in countless territories and an immense cultural heritage. And with a lot of sharing of knowledge and learning in the construction of methodologies. Inspiration to seek new learning every day."
Verena Carreira
Diagonal Collaborator
"At Diagonal, I learned what it's like to work for a company whose purpose is to positively transform society by making a difference to people's lives. I understood that profit is not the only objective and that involving the community is necessary and not just an option. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this story."
Olinta Cardoso
Social Responsibility Communications Consultant
"I could cite many attributes of Diagonal, but my personal experience has been deeply marked by the influence of professionals who have inspired, mobilized and transformed me. Innovation based on methods has paved the way and shown that it is possible to transform realities by giving a voice, knowing how to listen, building and maintaining institutional links. I am very proud to share with the Diagonal team dreams and plans for a better world for everyone."
Juliana Alitere
Diagonal Collaborator
"I've been part of this team of incredible people for 15 years. Here we are diverse, we are multiple. We believe in people, in their potential and with each challenge completed - always with great dedication, commitment and love for the profession - it's gratifying to see the smile of a life transformed."
Amanda Montenegro
Diagonal Collaborator
"Diagonal has been a determining factor in my life. With this opportunity, I live and share experiences of progress in all areas of my journey. I'm even more eager to work not only FOR people, but above all WITH them. And I understand that I can do all this by combining my personal and professional development."
Flávia Cortinove
Diagonal Collaborator
"Throughout my journey at Diagonal, whatever difficulties I encountered - I always had the support of the team. Because I work in customer service, especially with the elderly, one of my greatest achievements has been to develop more affection and empathy. I believe we have to love what we do, and that's why I'm at Diagonal - because here I'm recognized for my efforts."
Lita Lima
Diagonal Collaborator
"When I lived in Bahia, I didn't work, I only depended on my husband's income. We moved to São Paulo in an attempt to give our children a better life. Then, in 1996, I started working at Diagonal. Since then, everything in my life has changed. I was able to raise my three children and achieve the good life I didn't have growing up."
Thayná Monteiro
Diagonal Collaborator
"Diagonal has transformed my professional life by giving me the opportunity to show my potential and be recognized for it. The opportunity to learn from the best and develop my best. It was here that I developed and continue to develop my communication, my confidence and my technique."
José Luiz Junior
Former Diagonal employee
"I joined Diagonal to work as a translator from Nhungué (the local language in my town of Tete in Mozambique). After a year, I started working as a technical assistant and then as a field technician, leading the resettlement in the community of Cateme. Today my life has changed, I have grown professionally and developed. If today I have objectives and goals to achieve, it's thanks to Diagonal, which trusted me and gave me opportunities."
Cecília Araújo
Diagonal Collaborator
"I've been with Diagonal for 27 years, working on different projects - each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. It's been decades of learning, exchanging and sharing with incredible people, who have inspired my personal and professional growth. Even today, I continue to learn and share knowledge with everyone I work with."
Talita Garcia
Diagonal Collaborator
"Doing land regularization at Diagonal - which is the benchmark in regularization in the market - fills me with pride, satisfaction and learning on a daily basis. I'm grateful for the trust of my board of directors, who welcomed me from day one, for the opportunity to carry out work that reflects on people's dreams, and for the entire DRF team that fights together for this ideal."
Ana Mirtes
Resident of the Ilha de Deus community
"I lived in the mud. When the tide came in, I'd put my daughters on the bed and I couldn't imagine that one day we'd get out of there, because I couldn't afford to build a brick house. I currently take part in the Community Savings Group on Ilha de Deus. This awakened in me the desire to go back to school. Today, I'm studying Biological and Environmental Sciences."
Jaqueline Panta
Resident of Avenida Perimetral
"I am one of the families that will be resettled in Aracaju. I was apprehensive at first, but the Diagonal team stepped in with their professionals who provided me with accurate information and support when I needed it most. The team sees the potential and needs of everyone in the community. Diagonal has even awakened in me the desire to go back to school - I'm going to study social work later this year!"
Joyce Nayam
Diagonal Collaborator
"This year I'm 14 years old at Diagonal! I continue to perfect my professional practice, in a journey that is as pleasurable as it is challenging. Since 2014 I've been "packing my bags" to work in different territories: Pernambuco, Pará, São Paulo, Bahia, Sergipe and Tete - Mozambique. I'm grateful for the exchanges and experiences around the world."
Norah Neves
Executive Secretary for Housing Policies
"The fundamental aspects for the transformation of Ilha de Deus were the individual and collective empowerment actions, which promoted the autonomy of the community, who took the lead throughout the process in winning their rights. And the combination of three partners: the public sector, the Diagonal consultancy with its extensive experience in working in precarious areas and vulnerable populations, and the population with a strong identity and sense of belonging."
Nalvinha
Resident of the Ilha de Deus community
"Ilha de Deus was a forgotten community, you'd walk through it and come across open sewage. The bridge was made of wood, very difficult to cross. Today, with the restructuring, everything has changed. Diagonal arrived on the island to transform it. Everything was done by the community, but with Diagonal talking to the people. My self-esteem has improved a lot. I used to live in a very humble house and today I have a decent home."
Marcelo Vieira
Diagonal Collaborator
"I met my class at Diagonal. Together we share a common ideal, we have big dreams and above all we are brave! It takes a lot of courage to face the social abyss of our society head-on and still believe that we can build a better world: more dignified, diverse and fair."
Sirlene Rodrigues
Entrepreneur in the Com.Unity project
"The Com.Unidade project came into my life at a time when I was changing professions after 25 years. When I started making the natural sweets, snacks and chocolates from Sabores de Si, I had many doubts about my potential. But it was at a trade fair inside Diagonal that I had my first opportunity to exhibit my products and that moment was decisive in making me feel capable of running my own business."
Roberta Ribeiro
Diagonal Collaborator
"Ever since I joined Diagonal I've felt challenged on a daily basis, and along with these challenges come a lot of learning and opportunities for growth. I've been lucky and privileged to be part of a team with a healthy environment that strives to make a difference. Here's to many more years of success!"
Angelo Silva
Diagonal Collaborator
"I agreed to work at Diagonal almost two years ago with great enthusiasm for the challenge. Today I'm sure it was the best professional decision I ever made. Knowing that my work has a purpose and is helping to improve the lives of the people who need it most is very gratifying. I'm very happy to be part of this team!"
Luciana Assis
Resident of the Souza Dantas community
"I've lived here for 46 years and the river on the edge of the community used to be very polluted, because there was open sewage, which left a very bad smell. After the project we saw the change. A lot of people took up environmental education and started to take better care of their water, avoiding waste. There has been a practical change in our quality of life."
Thais Marques
Diagonal Collaborator
"My relationship with Diagonal began in 2009, when I was part of the Project Management Office (EGP) in the state of Pernambuco, accompanying the Ilha de Deus project. I joined Diagonal in 2012 and in these 14 years I feel I've broken down barriers, evolved as a person and as a professional I've learned the importance of building true relationships."
Lair Krahenbuhl
Former Secretary of Housing for the São Paulo City Hall
"Diagonal's trajectory is very much intertwined with the change in housing policy guidelines for the city and state of São Paulo. Anticipating trends in 1993, I had the privilege as Secretary of Housing for the City of São Paulo of structuring, with Diagonal's guidelines, the implementation of a new look at social issues, always ethically, technically, with a sensitive and practical eye."
Cassio Taniguchi
Former Mayor of Curitiba
"In 1999, Curitiba City Hall was being questioned about its actions regarding the favelas. So we created the "Deciding Curitiba" project in partnership with Diagonal, to get a clear picture of the situation. We identified 78 of the 262 irregular settlements where the actions of the municipal structure were concentrated, as well as the mobilization of local communities in a participatory process to solve the problems, in a true joint effort for citizenship."
Fernanda Colejo
Diagonal Collaborator
"Since graduating in architecture I've had an affinity for social housing, and at Diagonal I worked for the first time with land regularization, which has become my great passion. It's a privilege to have a job that contributes to access to housing for people of social interest. Another transformation was my move to Diagonal Recife, where I was warmly welcomed!"
Raimunda de Sá
Diagonal Collaborator
"Working at Diagonal for the last 24 years, I have met competent and empathetic professionals who have guided and taught me. Diagonal is a school for those who start and continue working in housing. I have always had opportunities, challenges, anxieties and delights, which have led me to professional, methodological and humanitarian growth. Thank you for being part of this team!"
Rosimeire Solano
Diagonal Collaborator
"In these 16 years at Diagonal, I can say that I am always changing, learning from the challenges of each new area I pass through. I often say that in the operations area, there is never a routine! Even though it's a procedural area, there are always new things to learn, which allows me to reinvent myself. Diagonal has always provided me with this: confidence, autonomy, challenges and learning. My personal and professional inspiration comes from these values, which are fundamental to me."
Mayara Gamba
Diagonal Collaborator
"Diagonal has been an inspiring source of transformation in my personal and professional journey. This journey has reflected directly on my personal life: I have become stronger, more determined and, above all, more willing to help people. Today, I can say that, as a woman, mother and architect, I am happy to be in a work environment that welcomes me. I hope we can continue to transform the lives of thousands of people."
Tomás Alvim
Coordinator of Insper's Arq.Futuro Cities Laboratory
"The robustness and impact generated by Diagonal's trajectory is a source of reference and inspiration for all those dedicated to urban issues. For Insper's Arq.futuro Cities Laboratory, this experience and collaboration has helped us formulate and develop research and teaching projects that are calibrated to the challenges of developing cities, society and the country."
