Rafaela Moura: Bridging Policy, Justice, and the Environment for a Sustainable

Rafaela Moura: Bridging Policy, Justice, and the Environment for a Sustainable FutureHow a visionary leader is redefining environmental stewardship through social equity and global impact

Rafaela Moura is not your typical environmental advocate. As a Senior Advisor at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), she has reshaped the landscape of public policy and environmental stewardship over the past two decades, championing the often-overlooked intersection of environmental health and social equity. Her story is one of personal evolution, global impact, and a steadfast belief that protecting the planet must also mean protecting its people—especially the most vulnerable.

Born in Brazil during a turbulent military regime in the 1970s, Rafaela’s roots in environmental protection are as rich as the soil of the Amazon Rainforest where she grew up. Her formative years spent in this lush ecosystem ignited a passion for nature that would guide her through a remarkable academic journey, from Duke University to Northeastern University, and beyond. Her connection to the Amazon didn’t just shape her love for the environment; it planted the seed of her understanding that environmental justice is inseparable from social justice.

Rafaela’s career is defined by her global perspective, with professional endeavors spanning Brazil, Europe, Africa, and the United States. Her visionary leadership at the EPA focuses on tackling climate change’s disproportionate effects on marginalized communities. As a thought leader and advocate, she is revered for her ability to blend environmental science with social policy, creating comprehensive strategies that not only safeguard ecosystems but also uplift the people who depend on them. For her contributions, Rafaela has been honored with the Environmental Justice and Social Protection Award, a recognition of her unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between environmental governance and human rights.

Beyond her role at the EPA, Rafaela is the founder of RFM Productions, a Los Angeles-based initiative that pioneers solutions in environmental stewardship and social equity. Through RFM Productions, she has fostered a new paradigm where grassroots activism meets strategic governance, encouraging the kind of civic engagement that empowers communities to take control of their environmental future. Her work has redefined how organizations can leverage innovation and collaboration to address global environmental challenges at the local level.

Rafaela’s leadership is not limited to the boardroom. As a key figure in the EPA’s Southeast Region, she chairs interdisciplinary committees tasked with developing resilient responses to climate crises, advocating for inclusive governance, and ensuring that underrepresented voices shape the policies that affect their lives. Her presence as a board member and frequent public speaker has made her a pivotal voice in the conversation about the future of environmental and social policy, always pushing for solutions that recognize the intertwined nature of environmental degradation and social inequality.

What sets Rafaela apart is her ability to merge diplomacy, strategy, and action in the face of complex environmental challenges. Her leadership is characterized by a holistic view of the world—one that sees the health of the planet as intrinsically connected to the well-being of its people. In a world increasingly threatened by environmental uncertainty, Rafaela Moura stands as a visionary force, guiding policy toward a more just and sustainable future for all.

Through her work, Rafaela doesn’t just aim to solve environmental problems—she strives to redefine the very nature of environmental advocacy, ensuring that future generations inherit not just a cleaner planet, but a more just and equitable world.