Biography
Gabriel Marmentini is a Brazilian social entrepreneur dedicated to strengthening democracy by transforming political culture and expanding civic participation in Latin America. He holds a doctorate in Administration (2023) from Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). In 2015, at age 22, he co-founded Politize! - Civic Education Institute and the Brazilian Association for Head and Neck Cancer (ACBG Brasil),and continues to lead both as Executive Director. His work integrates civic knowledge production, leader development, and policy advocacy to strengthen democratic participation and institutional responsiveness. Gabriel's work has been recognized through major awards including Forbes Under 30, MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35, and the Folha Social Entrepreneur Award. He has been selected for fellowships including YLAI, Keseb Democracy Fellowship, and the Presidential Precinct Global Democracy Fellowship. During his Policy Leaders Fellowship at the European University Institute, Gabriel will investigate civic education as a pathway to strengthening democracy. His research will encompass defining the educated citizen and the knowledge, skills, values, and tools necessary for democratic participation; understanding how civic education organizations operate sustainably at scale; examining policy frameworks and mechanisms that enable democratic learning; and exploring collaborative models between civil society, government, and educational institutions for integrating civic competence into policy and governance systems. He brings experience as an adjunct professor at the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), where he taught social entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, and co-production of public value.