BOARD OF DIRECTORS - ICF
Márcio Mendes - President
Mestre Márcio Mendes is originally from Belém do Pará, in the Amazon region in the northern part of Brazil. He started practicing capoeira with Mestre Bezerra, a living legend and pioneer of capoeira in the northern region of Brazil. Mestre Márcio is a student of philosophy and biology at York University and also works as a personal trainer in Toronto, Canada, where he resides. He promotes capoeira on various continents, having taught courses and workshops in gyms, universities, and schools. He is the creator of TRECIRAL, which incorporates capoeira movements and other techniques and taught to football players and some police and army forces around the globe. He was the first to establish a capoeira course in the physical education department at the University of Toronto. Mestre Márcio is the founder of the National Capoeira Association of Canada and one of the founders of the International Capoeira Federation.
Alexandre da Silva - Vice President
(Master Dandan) is a distinguished figure in the world of Capoeira, renowned for his significant contributions and leadership roles within various Capoeira organizations. Currently serving as the Board Director of the Brazilian Confederation UFCB, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of Capoeira at the national level. In addition, Mestre Alexandre serves as the President of the Capoeira Federation of Ceará State, where he actively promotes and fosters the growth of Capoeira within the region. His dedication and expertise extend further as he holds the position of Director of the Brazilian Association of Capoeira Instructors, contributing to the development and standardization of Capoeira instruction across the country. Mestre Alexandre da Silva's multifaceted roles underscore his commitment to the preservation and advancement of Capoeira in Brazil.
Goreti Cardoso - (Secretary)
Goreti Cardoso, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is currently a Event Producer at Telelatino Network Inc., bringing experience from previous roles at Dancer Transition Resource Centre, Dance Ontario, Canadian Salsa Festivals Project and Little Portugal Business Improvement Area. Goreti Cardoso holds a 2014 - 2017 Masters @ University of Waterloo. With a robust skill set that includes Research, Public Speaking, Strategic Planning, Event Planning, Project Management and more, Goreti Cardoso contributes valuable insights to the industry
Fernando Rabello - (Treasure)
Fernando Rabello serves as the Treasurer at ICF, bringing a strong background in financial oversight, budgeting, and resource management. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach to finance, he plays a key role in ensuring the responsible stewardship of the organization's financial assets.
Fernando is committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all financial operations. His experience and leadership in treasury functions contribute directly to the financial sustainability and operational excellence of ICF.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD - ICF
Marco Aurélio - (Attorney)
Marco Aurélio is an experienced attorney with a strong foundation in legal practice and a deep commitment to justice and ethical standards. His career spans various areas of law, providing advisory and legal support with precision, integrity, and professionalism.
At ICF, Marco Aurélio contributes with his legal expertise to ensure that the organization's operations remain aligned with national and international regulations. His role is essential in offering legal guidance, drafting institutional documents, and supporting the development of policies that uphold transparency and organizational values.
Francisco Rossi de Lima Sergino - (Physiotherapist)
Francisco Rossi de Lima Sergino is a dedicated physiotherapist with solid academic training and a strong commitment to human well-being. His professional journey is marked by a deep understanding of physical rehabilitation, functional health, and therapeutic care.
At ICF, Francisco brings his expertise to support health-focused initiatives and contribute to the development of educational and clinical programs. Passionate about promoting physical wellness and recovery, he plays an important role in integrating healthcare perspectives into the broader mission of the organization.
Dr. Aníbal - (psychologist)
A seasoned psychologist with extensive clinical and institutional experience, Dr. Aníbal serves as Technical Director at ICF, bringing his expertise to the development and management of programs focused on mental health, well-being, and human development. His career is defined by integrity, ethical commitment, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Dr. Aníbal stands out for implementing evidence-based practices and strengthening multidisciplinary teams. His work combines scientific knowledge with human sensitivity, offering effective solutions to the modern challenges of applied psychology.
Thiago Macedo - (Marketing and Media)
Thiago holds both a Bachelor's and a Licentiate degree in Visual Arts from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Brazil. With a solid academic background and a creative, strategic mindset, he brings extensive expertise in digital marketing, brand positioning, content creation, and visual communication.
As head of the Marketing and Media Department at ICF, Thiago combines artistic sensibility with strong technical skills to develop innovative campaigns and meaningful digital experiences. His work reflects a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the power of visual storytelling to connect people and ideas.
Júlia Schveitzer - (Marketing and Media)
Júlia Schveitzer is a key member of the Marketing and Media Department at ICF, specializing in targeted advertising and promotional strategies. With a strong background in digital marketing and communication, she is responsible for the development and management of advertising campaigns across multiple platforms, ensuring effective outreach and audience engagement.
Creative, results-driven, and detail-oriented, Júlia brings strategic insight and technical expertise to every project. Her work focuses on building strong brand visibility and delivering impactful marketing solutions that align with ICF’s mission and values.
Paulo Pantoja - (Accounting)
Paulo Pantoja is a skilled accounting professional with extensive experience in financial management, auditing, and organizational budgeting. Known for his analytical precision and strategic insight, he ensures the integrity and transparency of financial processes.
As a member of the ICF team, Paulo is responsible for overseeing accounting operations, maintaining financial records, and supporting the planning of sustainable financial strategies. His commitment to accuracy and ethical standards plays a vital role in the fiscal health and accountability of the organization.
MASTER'S ADVISORY BOARD - ICF
Vitor Hugo Narciso - Master Hawk
Current Positions:
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President of the National Confederation of Capoeira UFCB
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President of the Rio Grande do Sul Capoeira Federation
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President of the Regional Capoeira League of the State of Rio Grande do Sul
Achievements and Contributions:
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Organization of the I, II, and III State Capoeira Week (SEDAC)
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Creator of the Law instituting the Municipal Capoeira Week in several cities, including Teutônia, Jaguarão, Rio Grande, São Luiz Gonzaga, Pimenta Bueno (RO), and Ji-Paraná (RO)
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Former Delegate elected by CNPC (National Council of Cultural Policy), Ministry of Culture, Institutional Articulation Secretariat
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Former Supervisor of Culture Decentralization by the Municipal Department of Culture of Porto Alegre
Contribution to Capoeira:
Master Hawk is recognized for his commitment to the valorization and promotion of capoeira at the national and regional levels. Under his leadership, important events were held, and laws were created to recognize and strengthen the presence of capoeira in communities.
Participation in the People's Tribune:
Master Hawk highlighted his participation in the People's Tribune to discuss the importance of the Municipal Capoeira Week and public actions related to the sport. He emphasized the creation of the Municipal Capoeira Week in Porto Alegre, through Participatory Budgeting and the creation of municipal laws, lamenting the non-compliance of the event in some years.
Vitor Hugo Narciso, or Master Hawk, is recognized not only as a master of capoeira but also as a leader committed to the development and valorization of capoeira culture throughout Brazil. His dedication and vision have been crucial to the advancement and preservation of this traditional Brazilian art.
Fátima Colombiano - (Mestra Fafá de Canjiquinha)
Fátima Colombiano, also known as Mestra Fafá de Canjiquinha, is a prominent figure in Capoeira and education, born in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro. She is the President of the Capoeira Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro and participates in various religious and cultural institutions. A dedicated academic, she holds multiple degrees and specializations in fields such as Education, Arts, Theology, Neuroscience, and Physical Education.
She holds a Ph.D. in Neurotheology and a Master's in Religious Sciences, working on a wide range of topics including African History, Capoeira, Folklore, Dance, and drug abuse prevention. Fátima made history as the first woman to become a Capoeira Master in Brazil, in August 1980, in Salvador, Bahia. Her legacy is defined by her commitment to education, spirituality, and the use of Capoeira as a tool for human and cultural development.
Master Ricardo - In Memorian
Ricardo Antônio Collyer Ferreira Lima, born on June 13, 1958, in Manaus (AM), is a Capoeira Angola Master with a career marked by pioneering spirit, dedication to teaching, and the cultural appreciation of capoeira. He began his journey in 1973 with his cousin Spartacus, a disciple of Mestre Gato de Silvestre. He trained with important names such as Mestre Chaquinhas, Mestre Bando, and Mestre Dinelson, with whom he consolidated his education in Bahia. In 1988, he received the title of Capoeira Professor and, in 2010, he was certified as a Master by the Centro de Cultura Capoeira Angola Grupo Girassol, in Salvador.
Founder of ACBP – Associação de Capoeira Berimbau dos Palmares and creator of the Project "Gingando na Educação dos Jovens", Ricardo played a fundamental role in strengthening capoeira in Amazonas. He served as president of regional federations and leagues, coordinated educational events and projects, such as the construction of the Capoeiródromo in Ponta Negra, and taught at schools and social centers. He participated in several national courses and meetings on Capoeira Angola, contributing to the training of new practitioners. With a degree in Physical Education from UNIP, he was honored with the Mestre Vermelho Boxer Award (2016) and actively participated in the recognition of capoeira as a Cultural Heritage of Brazil.
His legacy is guided by the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian culture and the promotion of peace through the art of capoeira. "Capoeira Angola, good for life."
Founder of ACBP – Associação de Capoeira Berimbau dos Palmares and creator of the Project "Gingando na Educação dos Jovens", Ricardo played a fundamental role in strengthening capoeira in Amazonas. He served as president of regional federations and leagues, coordinated educational events and projects, such as the construction of the Capoeiródromo in Ponta Negra, and taught at schools and social centers. He participated in several national courses and meetings on Capoeira Angola, contributing to the training of new practitioners. With a degree in Physical Education from UNIP, he was honored with the Mestre Vermelho Boxer Award (2016) and actively participated in the recognition of capoeira as a Cultural Heritage of Brazil.
His legacy is guided by the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian culture and the promotion of peace through the art of capoeira. "Capoeira Angola, good for life."