Patricia Zanella is a social entrepreneur and gender activist leader from Brazil. She co-founded EcoCiclo, a pioneering company responsible for developing the first 100% biodegradable sanitary pads in Brazil. This initiative is driven by a commitment to promoting women’s reproductive justice and increasing the accessibility of sanitary products for women in marginalized communities.

With over a decade of experience in the sustainability sector, working with international organizations and NGOs, Patricia is a fervent advocate for gender equality. She serves as the International Relations representative for Instituto Limpa Brasil (Clean Up Brasil Institute) and has been an active member of the REDE Sustentabilidade (Sustainability Network) Political Party since 2016. At just 22 years old, she ran for Congress, securing nearly 10,000 votes, a testament to her influence and dedication to changing the landscape of political participation for young women in Latin America.

Patricia is also an active member of Vital Voices and represented the Brazilian Government's youth delegation at COP 28-UN, supported by the Vital Voices and Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in Dubai. She is the first Brazilian fellow of the Hurford Youth Fellowship from the World Movement for Democracy and was recognized as a Young Leader of the Americas Initiative by the US Department of State in 2023.

She holds a Master's in International Law and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, further underscoring her expertise and commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable world.