ENGIE Brasil Energia and Aliança Energia, a member of the Parceiros do Bem program, announced the winners of the 6th edition of the Women of Our Neighborhood program, an initiative created to encourage female entrepreneurship in the regions where the companies operate.
This year, the program invests R$ 1 million, allocating R$ 10 thousand to each selected project. At least half of the award-winning initiatives are led by black women, reinforcing the commitment to racial equity.
With the theme “Investing in those who make the economy turn”, the edition highlights the role of entrepreneurs in income generation and local development. In addition to the financial contribution, those selected will receive training in entrepreneurial management.
Since its creation, the program has invested more than R$ 4 million, impacting 50 thousand women and directly supporting 360 enterprises across the country. In this edition, 1,544 proposals were registered, coming from 63 cities in 17 states, of which 115 were selected.
In the area of operation of Aliança Energia, three women were classified, in Aimorés (MG), Baixo Guandu (ES) and Resplendor (MG). Each of them brings a trajectory marked by challenges, creativity and determination.
Venus Maria Rosa Severo Torezane – Baixo Guandu (ES)
At the age of 39, Venus leads the Handmade Pasta Project of the Cultural Association Todos Pode, based in Baixo Guandu (ES). The initiative was born from the desire to transform the reality of families in peripheral, rural and riverside communities, offering real opportunities for training, income generation and social entrepreneurship.
The project continues the social and cultural work developed by the Association since 2002. Its focus is the production and marketing of handmade pasta and breads, made with quality, sustainability and care. Production is collective, valuing group work and solidarity economy. Each package of dough represents the effort and overcoming of women, young people and families who found in the project a new form of sustenance and dignity.
With the resource of R$ 10 thousand, Venus intends to expand production, acquire basic equipment, train more participants and strengthen income generation for families in the community, prioritizing women in vulnerable situations.
“I was very happy when Tatiana, from Aliança, who was one of the spokespersons for the news that I had been selected, warned me, since, in the rush of everyday life, I was not able to follow the result of the notice. I almost didn’t believe it, because, as much as we know our own potential, I would never imagine being one of those selected at the national level, with such female representation. This award is a recognition of the strength and representativeness of women who work in the peripheral communities of Brazil”, said Vênus.
Eliete Maria do Nascimento Silva – Resplendor (MG)
At the age of 41, Eliete decided to start her own business in 2025, motivated by the desire to work on her own in the field of beauty and wellness. She reports challenges such as the lack of adequate equipment, absence of products in prompt delivery and difficulties in locomotion due to not having its own transportation.
The investment will be used to buy a bed and a massage chair, purchase products and finance training that improves the quality of care. For Eliete, her work is also a form of welcoming, offering moments of care and appreciation to customers.
“The Women of Our Neighborhood program is very important, as it believes in people’s dreams and offers opportunities for us to grow. First, I thank God, you from Aliança and Engie, and also the people who helped me. I learned that we should never give up and that we need to take advantage of the opportunities God gives us. I intend to improve my work, acquire some equipment that is still missing to better serve my customers and ensure that they leave here very satisfied”, highlighted Eliete.
Liliane Alves de Souza – Aimorés (MG)
Liliane, 40, started as an eyebrow designer in 2015, attending to her home. In 2020, she opened the ELA studio (Estética Liliane Alves), which evolved into ELAS, bringing together six entrepreneurs from different specialties. She has already trained more than 250 students in the region, and her income represents 60% of the family budget.
The resource will be used to build a ramp with a handrail in the studio and renovate the façade, making the space safer and more welcoming.
“I was very moved by the award. There are many improvements here in my studio that I will be able to make with this resource, I want to put an identification plate, improve access to my studio. We work with 6 entrepreneurs, each in a specialty and together we promote the beauty and self-esteem of women. As an entrepreneur and mother of two children, I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Liliane.
The trajectories of Venus, Eliete and Liliane reveal different paths, but the same purpose: to transform their own reality and that of their communities through entrepreneurship.
“What we see in these stories is the strength of women who turn challenges into opportunities. Our role is to open paths, but they are the ones who make the economy turn every day, with courage, creativity and commitment to their communities”, says Joseane Viola, Coordinator of Social Responsibility and Innovation at Aliança Energia.
Impact of the previous edition
In the 5th edition, the focus was on black women and mothers. Of the 100 initiatives selected, five were from municipalities where Aliança Energia operates in the Northeast, Icapuí (CE), Lagoa Nova (RN), São Vicente (RN), Tenente Laurentino Cruz (RN) and Santana do Matos (RN).
In a joint statement, the participants highlighted how the support received expanded their possibilities of work and income. Maria Madalena de Araújo, Maria Paula da Silva Oliveira, Maria José Soares de Lima, Maria Aparecida da Costa and Maria Nasirene Lopes do Nascimento reported that the program strengthened their businesses, increased the visibility of their initiatives and brought more financial autonomy to their families and communities.
These women represent communities around the Acauã, Santo Inácio and Gravier wind complexes, showing how structured social investment contributes to local economic development.
With this initiative, Aliança Energia reinforces its commitment to inclusion, diversity and sustainable economic development in the communities where it operates. This joint action contributes to advances in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially with regard to gender equality, stimulating work and income, reducing inequalities, and strengthening local communities through sustainable and inclusive initiatives.
