By Claudia Cataldi, International Correspondent
Acre’s Vice-Governor and current Secretary of State for Social Assistance and Human Rights, Mailza Assis, was in Rio de Janeiro this week for a series of meetings focused on dialogue and the building of strategic partnerships. The visit was led by Lauro Santos, Acre’s delegate to the Association of Graduates of the Brazilian War College (ADESG), a graduate of ESG’s Advanced Course on Politics and Strategy (CAEPE), and widely respected for his strategic vision and networking ability.
Mailza Assis, a former Senator of the Republic and now a leading figure in Acre’s political landscape, has built her career around social causes and the strengthening of public policies aimed at the most vulnerable populations. Her leadership as Vice-Governor and State Secretary has resulted in tangible advances in areas such as restorative justice, salary realignment for technical teams, strengthening of councils, and anti-poverty programs like Juntos pelo Acre (Together for Acre), which coordinates multi-agency state actions in partnership with municipalities and civil society.
During her time in Rio, Mailza reaffirmed her commitment to bringing Acre closer to Brazil’s strategic hubs, expanding dialogue on innovation, sustainable development, national defense, and social integration. Her agenda included institutional meetings and discussions with local leaders, where she also revisited her impactful tenure as Senator, when she allocated key federal funds to the Brazilian Navy, including support for the hospital ship Dr. Montenegro, serving riverside communities in the Juruá region.
“Politics is a tool to transform lives. My mission is to open doors, create opportunities, and bring dignity to people, whether in Acre, in Rio, or anywhere we can unite efforts for the common good,” Mailza emphasized.
The presence of Lauro Santos alongside the Vice-Governor was seen as a symbol of the growing integration between civilian and military authorities committed to Brazil’s development. A graduate of ESG’s flagship course in strategic leadership, Lauro is known for his disciplined approach and ability to connect stakeholders in support of high-impact projects in social policy, defense, and economic development.
According to Lauro, “Closer partnerships with the Armed Forces, along with coordinated action between state and municipal governments, create real opportunities for Acre’s economic and social development, especially in border regions.” He pointed to projects like the proposed naval detachment in Cruzeiro do Sul and a fluvial police station for Rio Branco as concrete steps forward.
Over the course of just three days, the delegation held ten meetings in Rio, reinforcing Mailza Assis’s national leadership and projecting the strength of Acre’s political presence. More than a political figure, she represents a new generation of women leaders who inspire through a rare combination of firmness, sensitivity, vision, and concrete results.
Vice-Governor Mailza Assis Strengthens Ties at Brazil’s War College