Abigail Amorim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Connecticut Graduate School of Social Work, UCONN. At CCSU, she interned in the Women’s Center and Campus Ministry where she founded the Cultural Diversity Society - a student organization whose goals were to break down the barriers that immigrants face on a multiethnic. She was inducted into the Phi Alpha and Golden Key International Honor Societies, worked as a liaison among campus departments, coordinated outreach work for international students, organized and facilitated group discussions on race relations, and led outreach programs on sexual assault, prevention and family planning. She made the Dean’s list on several consecutive semesters. She became a member of the CCSU Social Work Program Advisory Board, a COLA leader (Central Orientation for Leaders and Advisors). Abigail’s extra curricular activities helped her earn the CCSU 2001 President’s Citation Award for Outstanding Leadership, Significant Contribution to the University and Academic Achievement.

In 2001, she was accepted at the UCONN Graduate School of Social Work, while accepting a part-time position at Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office (CCRO). At CCRO, she helped implement the Wisewomen Program funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide hypertension and cholesterol screening as well as preventive services to women who are at risk of breast and cervical cancer. She worked as a case manager and liaison to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). In September 2002, she interned at the UCONN Center for International Social Work Studies (CISWS). At CISWS, she delivered presentations on the “History of Social Welfare in Brazil” and the “Invisibility of the Brazilians Living in Hartford”. She organized the annual International Day as an outreach to the various student organizations in the school, and helped organize the UCONN Human Rights Conference.

As a result of her Master’s Community Project regarding the “Invisibility of Brazilians Living in Hartford”, Abigail started The Brazilian Alliance – Aliança Brasileira nos Estados Unidos (ABE), a non-profit organization, while accepting a position to work part-time as a merchant’s community liaison and consultant for Parkville Business Association. Abigail now serves as the Executive Director of The Brazilian Alliance. She has been the driving force behind the organization. Thanks to her vision and the support she received from Hartford Parkville business owners and community leaders, she has been able to practice her community outreach and organizing skills, follow her social work profession’s code of ethics, and help enhance leadership and community development among the Brazilian population living in Hartford and surrounding areas. Abigail’s personality and teamwork skills enable her to initiate and implement programs that help boost leadership development and bring the community together. Dr. Healy, The Brazilian Alliance Board Advisor and UCONN Professor, says “Abigail has strong abilities to engage people in the community. She is able to effectively bridge differences in age, culture, and life style.” In 2003 Abigail received the Immigrant of the Year Award by the CT Immigrant and Refugee Coalition (CIRC).