At Crunchy Mama Box, we are proud to spotlight organizations creating lasting, measurable change. Wanda was honored to interview Tatiana Alonso, CEO of Gerando Falcões International (GFI), for our Mission-driven Founders podcast. GFI is a nonprofit transforming lives in Brazil and beyond, empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty.
On Monday, October 6, 2025, GFI will host its New York Benefit Dinner at the prestigious Yale Club NYC. Now in its fourth year, the event will welcome approximately 250 guests, including business leaders, philanthropists, bankers, artists, and influencers. The evening offers supporters the chance to connect with change-makers, celebrate progress, and contribute to life-changing initiatives.
About Gerando Falcões
Founded by visionary Edu Lyra, GFI is one of Brazil’s largest NGOs, impacting over 5,000 favelas across every state and major city. Their holistic approach goes beyond temporary aid, combining education, sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and community support to ensure systemic change.
Key Programs:
Physical Transformation: Sustainable housing, clean water and sewage systems, solar energy, recycling programs, improved transportation.
Emotional & Social Development: Mentorship, psychological support, and 2–3 year plans to help families transition out of poverty.
Income Generation & Education: Training social leaders, providing access to schools, vocational programs, and sustainable employment opportunities.
"GFI’s mission is not just to provide resources—it is to empower communities from within." – Tatiana Alonso, CEO, GFI International
Meet their International Leader: Tatiana Alonso
Tatiana Alonso leads GFI’s international branch, expanding its global impact through fundraising, strategic partnerships, and advocacy. Her journey from corporate life to social leadership exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven action.
She shares insights on empowering communities, engaging donors, and scaling GFI’s projects in our YouTube interview and Mission-driven Founders podcast.
"Money in the hands of a woman is money for the family, the community, and the future." – Tatiana Alonso.
Real Stories of Impact
GFI’s impact is tangible. In the northeast of Brazil, families previously living without sanitation were relocated into sustainable housing. Beyond infrastructure, GFI provides social support, education, and mentorship. For example, two sisters, once living in precarious conditions, now run a soap-making business that supports their family and educates their children.
Another initiative, Favela 3D, integrates sustainable housing, solar-powered street lighting, community centers, Wi-Fi access, and local employment programs—demonstrating that combining physical upgrades with social empowerment creates lasting transformation.
New York Benefit Dinner 2025
Tickets for the dinner are sold out, but you can still participate by making a donation through GFI’s website or bidding in the online auction, which features exclusive items and experiences. Even small contributions make a measurable impact, helping GFI stretch resources and transform communities.
This year’s program promises to be especially memorable. The evening will be led by Tatiana Alonso alongside Edu Lyra, GFI’s founder and CEO, who will share the organization’s powerful results and vision for the future. Guests will enjoy live performances by Flor Gil, Gaspar Muniz, and Denise Reis, with presentations by Sandra Coutinho, Fabiana Saba, and Sil Curiati. A live auction, conducted by Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, will feature highlights including a Tiffany & Co. Fifth Avenue VIP experience, an autographed tennis racket used by João Fonseca in the 2024 NextGen ATP Finals, and a stunning artwork by visionary artist Janaina Tschäpe.
The dinner is supported by sponsors JHSF, BTG Pactual, AB InBev, and Sauer. JHSF’s CEO, Augusto Martins, will be recognized with a special award honoring the company’s longstanding commitment to Instituto Gerando Falcões.
Edu Lyra, CEO and Founder of Instituto Gerando Falcões, reflected:
“If we’ve impacted almost 1 million people it’s because, beyond having an exceptional team working with maximum dedication, we have people in Brazil and abroad who believe in our mission. But the challenge remains immense. Today, more than 16 million people live in Brazil’s favelas, many of them surviving without dignity. To reduce this number, we must strengthen ties among different social representatives and build a collaborative agenda.”
Aligning Values with Impact
At Crunchy Mama Box, we resonate deeply with GFI’s dedication to transparency, education, and sustainable development. Their work mirrors our mission to educate, empower, and promote social responsibility. By investing in local leadership and listening to communities, GFI demonstrates how nonprofits, businesses, and individuals can drive systemic change.
For the NYC event, CMB-certified brands Modern Age Skin, MarigoldBub, and Love & Light Botanicals are donating products for guests’ swag bags. Additionally, the CMB Certification Program is offering a Certification Assessment and US Market Entry Support through their online auction, which includes product evaluation, consulting with Wanda Malhotra, and a full service package.
For Wanda, who was introduced to Tatiana Alonso and Helio Campos, the event organizer, this project exemplifies what she calls "The Perfect Giving Back Chain": a diverse community coming together for a meaningful cause, generating significant impact.
How to Support
Learn more about Gerando Falcões International and how you can make an impact:
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Website: gerandofalcoes.com
- IG Gerando Falcões International: @gerandofalcoes
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IG Gerando Falcões International: @gerandofalcoesint
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YouTube Interview: Watch here
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Podcast Interview: Listen here
We're proud to support Gerando Falcões International and the incredible work they are doing to transform communities in Brazil and beyond. You can make a difference too—support them through donations, bidding in their online auctions, or simply sharing their mission. Together, we continue the ripple effect of their Giving Back Chain!
