Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Sofia Figueiredo is an accomplished leader and advocate with a strong focus on human rights, social welfare, and sustainable development. As the CEO of Akto and a representative for the Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights, she leverages her extensive experience and expertise to drive positive change within the EU and globally.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CEO of Akto since 2015, Sofia Figueiredo oversees the organization's strategic direction and operations, working to promote food and nutrition security, support human trafficking victims, and empower vulnerable populations. In her role as the representative for the Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights in the EU Civil Society Platform Against Trafficking in Human Beings, she actively contributes to policy discussions and collaborative initiatives aimed at combating human trafficking.
Career Progression
Prior to her current positions, Sofia held various leadership roles at Saúde em Português, where she served as the CEO from 2008 to 2016. In this capacity, she coordinated the Multidisciplinary National Line Support to Human Trafficking Victims and led projects focused on raising awareness about human trafficking. She also had the opportunity to represent the Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights at the 60th Commission on the Status of Women - United Nations (UNWomen) and serve as a board member for the Plataforma Portuguesa das ONGD.
Earlier in her career, Sofia gained valuable experience through internships at The Bar Association, District Council of Coimbra and Humana Global, where she honed her legal and advocacy skills.
Academic Background
Sofia holds a Law degree, having completed her legal studies at a prestigious institution. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in legal analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which she has effectively applied throughout her professional journey.
Areas of Expertise
- Human rights advocacy and policy development
- Combating human trafficking and supporting victim rehabilitation
- Sustainable development and food security
- Nonprofit management and strategic planning
- Multistakeholder collaboration and partnership building
Professional Impact
During her tenure, Sofia has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around human trafficking and women's rights within the EU. She has been instrumental in establishing the Multidisciplinary National Line Support to Human Trafficking Victims, a critical initiative that provides comprehensive assistance to victims. Additionally, her contributions to the EU Civil Society Platform Against Trafficking in Human Beings have helped to strengthen the collective response to this global challenge.
Conclusion
With her demonstrated track record of leadership, advocacy, and social impact, Sofia Figueiredo is poised to continue making significant contributions to the advancement of human rights, social welfare, and sustainable development. Her dedication, expertise, and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset in driving positive change within the EU and beyond.
