Instituto Refazer was founded by two very engaged pediatricians, in 1995. Vera Bonfim and Mariene Roque aimed to provide a decent and unrestricted life to children with rare and chronic diseases – and their families
Since then, we have been working hard to offer medical, nutritional and legal support so that every child is properly assisted.
In collaboration with Instituto Fernandes Figueira (IFF/Fiocruz), we are pioneers developing innovative solutions and providing continued support to families.
This initiative took place after hospital discharge imposed new challenges to the needy families.
To provide better quality of life and promote autonomy through the implementation of multidisciplinary and integrated actions that break the cycle of disease and poverty.
We work to be recognized as a reference in supporting children with rare and chronic diseases, standing out for the quality and humanization of our care, and for promoting innovative solutions that transform lives.
Meet Our Team
With a distinguished career in management, strategy, and sustainability. A mechanical engineer with a postgraduate degree in Social Responsibility and a Ph.D. in Competitive Intelligence, as well as strategic experience at Petrobras, she joins to drive a new phase of innovation and institutional strengthening.
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A chemical engineer graduated from UFRJ, with an MBA in Finance from Coppead-UFRJ and an MBA in Business Intelligence from PUC-PR, international executive education, and extensive experience in strategy, corporate governance, and market communications.
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Holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from UFRJ, with a distinguished career in sustainability, social responsibility, and executive leadership, including more than two decades of management experience at Petrobras.
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Graduated in Managerial Projects from Estácio de Sá University, with a focus on strategic management, leadership, and process optimization. She worked as a consultant at TIM TECH / ACT Digital, where she developed advertising content, organized events, and performed data analysis to support decision-making. She brings more than twenty years of leadership experience, having served as Operations Director at EJESA (publisher of O DIA and Brasil Econômico) and Traffic (Globo Network, São Paulo), as well as Advertising Manager at Grande Campinas Editora. She also led the Instituto Ary de Carvalho, a social initiative of the EJESA Group that served more than four hundred children in the Arará community in Rio de Janeiro.
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Holds degrees in Geography from UFRJ and Economics from Estácio. He has worked as a Financial Analyst on government-funded audiovisual projects, preparing financial reports and ensuring grant compliance. He also has experience as an entrepreneur and in people management, contributing to the development of cohesive and high-performing teams.
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Marketing professional with extensive experience in administrative, accounting, and consulting roles. She has provided strategic support to small businesses, offering solutions ranging from financial closing processes to the implementation of internal procedures. She also has strong experience in people management, recruitment, and talent acquisition, contributing to the development of more efficient teams aligned with organizational goals.
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Psychologist, specializing in Philosophy of Education (UFPR, 2017) and Philosophy and Human Rights (PUCPR, 2018), with a master's degree in Science Education (UFPR, 2022). She has worked in clinical practice for 13 years and has spent the last 11 years supporting people in vulnerable situations. She has experience facilitating groups and coordinating and implementing projects, with an emphasis on non-formal education. Her areas of interest include health promotion, philosophy, ecosophy, urban studies, and the arts.
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PhD candidate in Social Work at UFRJ, with a Master’s from the same institution (FAPERJ Fellowship). Specialized in Public Policy and Inter-sectorality (FIOCRUZ), with experience in research focused on health and education. Works at Refazer to promote access to rights, citizenship, and social inclusion.
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Journalist. Focused on projects involving social and environmental responsibility and digital media. Oversees Refazer’s institutional communication, including content for reports, newsletters, emails, the website, and social media.
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40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 23 years at Petrobras. Recognized for his leadership in pre-salt development and contributions to R&D across universities and research institutes. Holds executive education from top global institutions
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A physician with a Ph.D. in Cardiology from UFRJ and 25 years of clinical practice, Fátima Matos built a second career in management, with 15 years of experience in People Management and Leadership at Petrobras, including overseeing the company's health plan, which covered approximately 300,000 beneficiaries. From 2021 to 2025, she served as President of the Refazer Institute, during which the organization strengthened its governance, developed its care coordination methodology, and tripled its revenue, establishing itself as a leading organization in the care of children with rare diseases living in situations of social vulnerability.
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Medical doctor (UFRJ), specialist in Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care (IFF/Fiocruz), where he has worked since 1996 and currently serves as Director (2021–2025). Renowned for his contributions to public health and pediatric care.
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An educator with a postgraduate degree in Strategic Management and Knowledge Management from UFRJ. She has more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources management and development at Petrobras. She served as First Vice President of the Refazer Institute from 2021 to 2025, where she coordinated the Institute's General Assemblies, oversaw the development and updating of its governance instruments and bylaws, and managed the Commercial Department from 2021 to 2023. From 2023 to 2025, she led the Comprehensive Support Program, strengthening the Institute's initiatives in family support, follow-up care, and development for the families it serves.
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A Partner at Bichara Law Firm since 2006, specializing in Labor and Employment Law. He has extensive experience in labor consulting and litigation, including collective labor actions. He represents clients across a wide range of industries, including construction, education, retail, and energy. He currently serves as a member of the Rio de Janeiro City Council Advisory Board for the 2021–2024 term. Recognitions include Chambers and Partners Brazil (2021) – Labour and Employment, and Chambers and Partners Latin America (2010–2021), among others.
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PhD in Social Sciences (PUC), Master’s in Development, Agriculture and Society (UFRRJ), expert in Public Policy and Government (IUPERJ), and Economist (UFRJ).
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A Nursing Technician with professional experience as a caregiver for older adults and a nursing assistant. As the mother of Daniel, a child with a rare disease, she received support from the Refazer Institute and actively participated in its family support and social empowerment programs. Recognized for her resilience, determination, and perseverance, she became an inspiring role model for other mothers served by the Institute, particularly in their journey toward independence, family strengthening, and social inclusion. After completing the program and achieving independence and stability, she was invited to join the Refazer Institute's Board of Directors as a representative of the beneficiary community.
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Mechanical Engineer (IME), MSc in Petroleum Engineering (UNICAMP), and PhD in Fluid Mechanics (INPT – France). Worked at Petrobras for 33 years, spending the last 12 in managing positions.
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PhD candidate at UERJ researching innovation management and entrepreneurship. Former Consultant Director at Riggo, Operations Director at Infoglobo, and Board Member at Valor Econômico.
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PhD in Chemistry from PUC-Rio (1995). Expert in Analytical Chemistry applied to the oil and gas industry.
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