Empowering women: how Amor Philia and Konecta Foundation are changing lives
In a world where many women face economic and social hardships, Amor Philia shines as a beacon of hope. Founded by Mariana Marques, the organization is dedicated to empowering women in vulnerable situations, equipping them with the training, support, and opportunities needed to transform their lives.
Konecta Foundation: a catalyst for change
Our Foundation plays a pivotal role in strengthening organizations like Amor Philia, going beyond financial contributions to drive meaningful, lasting change. By providing both financial and structural resources, Konecta has enabled Amor Philia to expand its reach and impact, welcoming five new women into its program and offering them opportunities for personal and professional growth.
This partnership extends beyond funding. Through training initiatives and employment programs, Konecta actively fosters social and economic development. In 2024, in Brazil, Konecta supported the training of 100 women and young individuals, equipping them with essential job market skills. Additionally, the Foundation helped create 25 new jobs in a social call center in Embu das Artes, São Paulo, promoting financial independence and social integration.
This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships between businesses and social enterprises. By bridging the gap between corporate resources and grassroots social impact, Konecta is advancing economic inclusion and amplifying the visibility of critical social initiatives.
A personal journey of giving back
Amor Philia is deeply rooted in the personal journey of Mariana Marques, founder of Amor Philia. After losing her mother to cancer, she was inspired to give back to the community that had supported her through Brazil’s SUS (Brazilian Public Health System). Having been a single mother at 18 without family support, Mariana understands the struggles many women face. Despite these challenges, she built a successful corporate career and now channels her experience into creating opportunities for others.
Her belief is simple yet profound: with the right training and resources, lives can be transformed.
A Mission rooted in compassion and hope
At the heart of Amor Philia are core values that guide its mission:
💙 Empathy
🌟 Compassion
🙏 Faith
👨👩👧 Family
🤝 Respect
✔️ Credibility
🌱 Hope
❤️ Love
These principles ensure that women receive not only financial support but also emotional and psychological empowerment.
Breaking barriers: addressing employment challenges
One of the biggest challenges Amor Philia tackles is the lack of job opportunities tailored to the realities of women in vulnerable situations. Many of these women – often single mothers- struggle to balance work with caregiving responsibilities. The traditional job market, with rigid expectations, frequently overlooks their needs, making it difficult to achieve financial stability.
Amor Philia seeks to bridge this gap by:
✔ Advocating for more inclusive employment opportunities
✔ Providing training programs tailored to real-world challenges
✔ Partnering with organizations like Konecta to create sustainable job placements
Real impact: transforming lives
Over the past two years, Amor Philia has achieved remarkable milestones, proving the tangible impact of the organization’s work:
- 426 women welcomed into the program
- 204 women trained for employment
- 30% of participants generating income for their families
- Recognized with the Seal of the Best NGOs in Brazil
- Operating in four communities with independent audits by PGBR
- 1,000+ children supported through various initiatives
- 500+ health services provided by volunteers
- 8,000+ donations made
- 100+ volunteers actively involved
A story of transformation: Ludmilla
Among the many lives Amor Philia has touched, Ludmilla’s journey stands out. As a participant in the “Capacite uma Mãe” project, she began as a student, completed her training, and secured employment thanks to Amor Philia’s partnership with Konecta.
💬 “Being part of Amor Philia has been a transformative experience – not just for me, but for my family. The support from Konecta made all the difference, allowing me to invest in my daughter’s education and provide for my family. Thanks to this partnership, I now have a stable job, opportunities for growth, and a chance to give back to the community. These efforts don’t just support individuals – they transform entire families, just as they transformed mine.” says Ludmila.
Her story is one of many that showcase the life-changing impact of Amor Philia.
Looking ahead: a vision for 2025
As Amor Philia continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: to empower women by providing access to knowledge, training, and employment opportunities that benefit both them and their families.
By 2025, the organization aims to:
- Welcome another 200 women and their children into the program
- Expand training and mentorship opportunities
- Continue creating sustainable employment pathways
With the ongoing support of partners like Konecta and the dedication of its team, Amor Philia is committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future—one woman at a time.
Join the movement
Want to be part of this change? Learn more about how you can support Amor Philia and its mission.
Read the full interview.