Who we are
The Sumaúma Institute is a non-profit civil society organization. We operate as a training, documentation, and research center.
When executing projects and hiring service providers, our priority audience is Afro, Indigenous, and/or peripheral people.
The Sumaúma Institute works in an interdisciplinary and intersectoral manner in line with the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Our story
Organizational Principles
Mission: Just like the Sumaúma tree, which stores water for itself and other ecosystem actors; it is a guide for boatmen on the riverbanks; it spreads seeds to feed other species and for germination; and it has a robust structure and roots so large and strong that they go beyond conventional dimensions…
The Sumaúma Institute’s mission is to produce and share relevant knowledge for and with the ecosystem; collaborate with the development of careers and overcoming challenges in the academic field for Afro, Indigenous, and/or peripheral people; and expand epistemic possibilities based on non-hegemonic worldviews.
Vision: To be a training, documentation, and research center recognized for relevant societal contributions.
Values: Education, Sharing, Respect for territories, and Networking.
People
Taís Oliveira (she/her) is the founder and Executive Director of Instituto Sumaúma. She holds a degree in Public Relations (FAPCOM), a Master’s and PhD in Human and Social Sciences from the Federal University of ABC (UFABC). She researches science, technology, and society through the intersections of race and gender. She has worked for 15 years in public relations, strategic planning, digital communication, communication of causes, metrics, and monitoring.
Services: We are technical experts with a network of researchers and professionals who are experts in various subjects. Based on the needs and objectives of each demand, a team is invited to collaborate.
Projects: We contribute to the inclusion and academic development of black, indigenous, and/or peripheral people, so this group is our priority.
Areas, Programs and Projects
| AREA | PROGRAM | PROJECT |
| Training | Paths of Knowledge | – Preparatory Course for Postgraduate Selections – Technical Training for the Research Field – Sumaúma Research Group |
| Documentation | Resistance Scientific Communication | – Sumaúma Repository – Digital Communication – Events |
| Research | Sumaúma Lab – Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Science, Technology, and Society | – Political Advocacy – Communication – Technology – Education |
The Sumaúma Institute was selected in the 4th Elas Periféricas call for proposals (2022), which aims to promote the strengthening of organizations led by black women.
The Sumaúma Institute was selected in the public call “The role of science in tomorrow’s Brazil” (2022) with the project “Series ’10 years later’” – a podcast about the 10 years of the quota law in educational institutions.
The Sumaúma Institute was selected in the “Training Cycle in Digital Care” (2024) notice with the project “Digital Care and Well-being on the Internet for Traditional Communities of Terreiro Peoples”.
Would you like to discuss any of the topics on this page? Use this form or email us at contato[@]sumauma.org.