Lara Mara Rodrigues da Costa

At just 20 years old, Lara Mara Rodrigues da Costa has made history as the youngest director of a samba school, leading the Unidos de Padre Miguel in Rio de Janeiro's renowned Carnival celebrations. With a deep-rooted passion for samba, stemming from her childhood spent within the school's community, she has quickly become a powerful voice in the Carnaval scene, known for her commanding presence and unique leadership style. A law student, Lara balances her academic pursuits with her love for samba, demonstrating a commitment to empowering the women of her community and bringing African cultural heritage to the forefront of her school's presentations.