Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

I am a focused person. I am a fighter.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

It was not easy to get to where I am. My challenge is to learn to deal with the jokes that are common among men that I heard and continue to hear sometimes among men.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

I always studied because I knew I had to. I needed to survive and take care of my mother.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

We didn't have much money. My whole extended family used to help us, and buy us books and food. It was hard, and there were things I didn't want to talk about. But at the end I was a happy girl.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

My childhood was happy, joyful but very difficult.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

I thank my mother, Terezinha, for the power of her transforming love.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

I lived in Complexo do Alemao until I was 12, dealt with domestic violence in my childhood and faced difficulties in life.

Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
Maria das Gracas Silva Foster

I have two children. I gave up a lot for my career, but I'm very happy for it. I've done what I've always thought was best for me and my family.