Mrs. Patricia Christiani Campbell has been a serial volunteer since her middle school years in California, where she worked on literacy projects with children in her school district. This early experience ignited a passion for making positive changes in her community that has continued throughout her life.

 

During her high school years, she was part of the Associated Student Body, which provided her with many volunteering opportunities. Right after graduation, before heading to UCSD, Patricia spent her summer vacation volunteering for the Chief of the United Nations in Lima, Peru. While in college, she volunteered at the Make-a-Wish Foundation in San Diego, helping to fundraise and make dreams come true for children facing serious illnesses.

 

As a registered Doula, Patricia volunteered for one year at the public maternity hospital Amparo Maternal in São Paulo, where she welcomed countless babies into the world and provided care for new mothers.

 

As a board member of the American Society in São Paulo, Patricia has held various positions, starting as the Community Action Chair and eventually becoming President in 2020. Her leadership was instrumental in restructuring the AmSoc bylaws to switch to Civil Society Organization (CSO) status, making it easier to raise funds and give back to the community.

 

As President of AmSoc, Patricia has motivated the organization to become even stronger and helped forge connections within the membership to create a more close-knit community. She also had the vision to reach out to new communities in need especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, in 2021, she spearheaded a massive campaign to show appreciation for the hospital care workers at Campo Limpo  Public Hospital as well as raising funds to provide much-needed equipment for the neurosurgery room.

 

Patricia's tireless efforts and leadership have made her a builder, motivator, and visionary for both the American Society and the São Paulo community at large. It is with great honor that the Erik Poliak Award for 2022 was presented to Patricia Christiani Campbell.