President's Message | June 2026

BACCF President's Message

June 2026

• Annual Feijoada  – This first major event of the year welcomed members for an afternoon of authentic Brazilian cuisine, caipirinhas and networking.

• Open Mic – Membership Virtual Networking (February & April) – Our recurring virtual networking sessions are open to members and future members. Participants receive a one‑minute spotlight to introduce their companies and share slides, making this format a popular and efficient way to build relationships across our community.

• Brazil–U.S. Economic Perspectives – Co‑hosted with Carlton Fields, this breakfast seminar brought together business leaders for a high‑level discussion on the economic forces shaping trade and investment between Brazil and the United States. Distinguished speakers Rafaela Vitoria, Chief Economist & Head of Market Relations at Inter US, and Luis G. Ferreira, Chief Investment Officer and Deputy CEO (Americas) at EFG International, shared thoughtful and forward‑looking macroeconomic insights. Kate Ferreira of Grant Thornton skillfully moderated the conversation, and the session underscored the importance of informed dialogue and cross‑border collaboration.

• Business Roundtable with the Federal Reserve – Miami Branch – An exclusive session where members discussed interest‑rate trends and inflation directly with Federal Reserve officials. The dialogue offered critical insights to help companies plan for shifting macro‑economic conditions.

• Business Card Exchange & Happy Hour – Informal receptions at Drakes and Ironside helped connect new members with long‑time supporters in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Farewell Reception in honor of Ambassador André Odenbreit Carvalho – Together with the CCBU – Centro Cultural Brasil‑USA and Carlton Fields, we hosted a special reception at Carlton Fields’ Miami office to bid farewell to Ambassador André Odenbreit Carvalho and Ambassadress Gilda Araujo de Souza. The evening brought together members, friends and other dignitaries to extend our gratitude.

• Music Industry Panel – “From Stage to Strategy: How Music Drives Innovation, Branding & Business” – This panel explored how music fuels innovation, branding and global markets. Special guest Jair Oliveira joined panelists Ella Romand, Maria Fulfaro, Gene de Souza and Thiago Machado for a lively discussion.

• Episode 1 – David Hodge – Career diplomat David Hodge reflects on his U.S. State Department tenure and highlights the importance of building long‑term connections between Brazil and the United States.

• Episode 2 – Cassio Segura – Inter’s Country Manager for the U.S., Cassio Segura, discusses the company’s expansion across the Americas, obtaining a U.S. banking licence and building a US$400 million real‑estate credit portfolio serving clients from sixteen countries.

• Episode 3 – Alexandre Piquet – Attorney and former BACCF president Alexandre Piquet shares his inspiring journey to the United States, the founding of Piquet Law Firm and his contributions to our community and Chamber.

• Episode 4 – Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermúdez – Miami‑Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermúdez discusses Brazil’s role in the county’s global growth and explains why organizations like the BACCF are critical to strengthening ties and fostering economic development.

• Episode 5 – William Castro Alves – Chief Strategist and Partner at Avenue, is now live. In this conversation, William shares valuable insights into the company’s growth and his professional journey.