At 30 years old, Juliana Lima is serving her first term as deputy mayor of Meridiano, a small city in the interior of São Paulo with around five thousand inhabitants. With a history of active involvement in politics as a city councilor, Juliana brings to her new role a transformative vision, focused on transparency, job creation and proximity to the population.

“What motivated me to enter politics was the difference we can make in people’s lives. But it is equally important to seek qualifications to deliver the best possible during the term”, says Juliana, highlighting her participation in courses and training, including the RenovaBR program.

From councilor to deputy mayor: a journey of transformation

During her term as councilwoman, Juliana demonstrated her ability to identify problems and implement solutions. One of her most notable projects was the modernization of the city’s public lighting. “Meridiano was completely dark, and this generated many complaints. I looked for solutions and we managed to light up the entire city with LED lights. Today, it has become a local attraction. It is very gratifying to see how this change has impacted people’s lives,” she says.

Juliana also stood out for her initiative to take her office to the people. “I created a traveling office, visiting neighborhoods and the extensive rural area of Meridiano to hear people’s demands directly. This close contact with the population helped me seek concrete solutions to the problems presented, and I intend to continue this practice as deputy mayor.”

Transparency and combating corruption as main flags

Meridiano has a difficult history when it comes to public management, with corruption cases involving former mayors. Juliana sees this as one of the biggest challenges of her administration. “My main goal is transparency. I want Meridiano to stop being remembered for bad things and become an example of efficient and honest management. We are committed to changing this reality,” she says.

For her, the fight against corruption begins with clear and open management. “It is essential that people know where every cent of public money goes. This builds trust and establishes a new standard of governance,” she says.

Another challenge that Juliana intends to face is the city’s economic dependence on the city government, which employs almost 4,000 people in a population of 5,000. “The city government is practically the only employer, and this needs to change. Our goal is to attract companies and encourage entrepreneurship to diversify the economy and create jobs.”

To this end, Juliana intends to “sell” the city to businesspeople, highlighting its potential. “We will hold meetings with businesspeople to discuss how they can contribute to local development. The idea is to create a favorable environment for new businesses to set up shop, generating income and opportunities for residents.”

RenovaBR a source of inspiration and qualification

The deputy mayor considers RenovaBR essential for her development as a political leader. “It’s not enough to be elected; you have to qualify yourself. RenovaBR gives us tools to improve our management, in addition to providing face-to-face meetings that allow us to exchange experiences and create a support network.”

The program also reinforced Juliana’s commitment to innovative and effective practices in public administration. “RenovaBR inspires me to be better every day, bringing ideas that can truly transform the reality of Meridiano.”

A legacy of pride and hope

The deputy leader of the municipal executive branch has a clear vision of the legacy she wants to leave for Meridiano. “I want my administration to be a model, an example for mayors and deputy mayors in other cities. I want Meridiano to be recognized for its achievements and no longer for its difficult past. I want the population to be proud to live here and for future generations to find a city full of opportunities.”

With her dedication, Juliana Lima is building a new chapter in Meridiano’s history, based on ethics, innovation and closeness to people. “My mission is to transform, care for and build a better future for everyone in Meridiano. This is my commitment”, she concluded.