We had the good fortune of connecting with Ludmila Claro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ludmila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to do something that could bring together the Brazilian community in Houston so that everyone could feel back home for a bit. We hope to accomplish this through events, concerts and the opportunity to help each other out. I also wanted to show a little more about Brazil to all the communities in Houston.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Brazilian Women Foundation, a 509(a)(2) non-profit organization, first came about through a group Mulheres Brasileiras em Houston (now Brazilian Women in Houston with more than 4000 women) on Facebook. I felt we needed to share helpful information about living in the United States, especially in Houston. I also wanted something that promoted volunteer work and helped those in need. Thus, in August 2016, the Brazilian Women Foundation was created with the mission to support institutions in need of social, financial or psychological assistance and promote Brazilian culture among communities interested in learning more about the language, food, and our customs.

The foundation’s Brazilian festivals and events play a great role in the community, as we are able to maintain our culture even far from our country. Many Brazilian children have never had the opportunity to go to Brazil and with the events they can learn a little bit more about who we are, etc. It’s also a great opportunity for us to remember where we came from while showing all communities in Texas a little bit about Brazil.

Through Festivals we help many Brazilians who want to start a small business here in the United States, by encouraging them to open their business legally and continue working on other events.

The Brazilian Women Foundation works with other local organizations to create a larger support network focused on helping the local communities. We have several projects throughout the year. One of our highlights include the Toy Drive, which is going on its eighth year running. In 8 years we have collected more than 1000 toys for children who are in hospitals for cancer treatment and other illnesses. We work in partnership with AME (Association of Women Entrepreneurs) on a project called Bolsa de Mulher in which we help women who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. We also have several other projects linked to Pink October, Thanksgiving and more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is the city that has attractions for all audiences, whether it’s just for you, or for the whole family.

Whether or not you are an astronomy fan, it is impossible to plan what to do in Houston without including Space Center Houston and it is Houston’s main tourist attraction!

Hermann Park is one of Houston’s most famous tourist spots and offers attractions for all ages!

Anyone looking for a cultural and educational tour can visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Another great museum is The Museum of Fine Arts.

Now, if the idea is to combine a little of everything, the place to go is the Miller Outdoor Theatre, a theater that hosts plays, shows and open-air concerts!

To top it off, you can visit the Houston Zoo.

Roller coasters, Ferris wheel, Carousel, observation tower are some of the attractions at Kemah Boardwalk, the perfect theme park for those who want some thrills during their trip.

Despite being best known as an aquarium that houses several shark tanks and other species of marine life, the Downtown Aquarium is also a complex with a Ferris wheel, carousel and several other rides that are great alternatives for those looking for things to do in Houston with kids. After they have had fun, you can enjoy drinking and eating in the underwater restaurant, where steaks, salads, pastas and wonderful desserts are served.

Lastly, satisfy your craving for Brazilian food at Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse or Emporio Brazilian Grill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate it to my family and the women who are always by my side at the Brazilian Women Foundation

Website: www.milaclaro.com

Email: www.milaclaro@gmail.com

Instagram: @brazilianwomenfoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrazilianWomenFoundation 

Image Credits
Photos By Sabrina Sens

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