When Francisca came across a job opening posted by the Black Jaguar Foundation on social media, she had no idea it would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her professional life. With no previous experience in native seedling production, she joined the nursery team eager to learn. Four years later, that dedication led to her promotion to Seedling Production Lead.
Over the years, Francisca gained hands-on experience in every stage of seedling production and nursery management, taking on increasing responsibilities along the way. Today, she coordinates the team’s daily activities, supports Nursery Production Supervisor Norivânia Diniz in organizing operations, and helps ensure the high quality of the native seedlings produced in our nursery.
Her story reflects one of the Black Jaguar Foundation’s core commitments: investing in the people who live in the regions where we work. Ecological restoration is not only about restoring forests—it is also about creating opportunities for employment, professional development, and long-term careers, while strengthening local economies through the creation of green jobs.
The Black Jaguar Foundation’s forest nursery is also a powerful example of women in leadership. Today, two women oversee seedling production: Norivânia, as Nursery Production Supervisor, and Francisca, as Seedling Production Lead. Together, they guide the nursery team, share knowledge, and help ensure that every seedling is ready to begin its journey toward the restoration areas.
Stories like Francisca’s show that ecological restoration goes far beyond planting trees. It is also about creating opportunities, developing local talent, and empowering people to grow alongside the forests they help restore. By investing in people, we strengthen not only ecological restoration itself, but also the future of the communities that make this work possible.
