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Conversations with Voyage LA
Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafaela Moura
Hi Rafaela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Brazil during the 1970s—under a military regime—I witnessed firsthand the complex intersection of environmental challenges, social struggles, displacement, and economic development. Those early experiences shaped my lifelong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
As a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), I’ve spent the past decade implementing adaptation and mitigation policies starting in Florida, the Southeast, and beyond—working to protect public health and the environment in the face of climate change. During the pandemic, I founded a nonprofit www.rfmproductions.org in Los Angeles to raise awareness about natural disasters in the Amazon rainforest, and this year, after the wildfires our work received support from the Center for Cultural Innovation in Los Angeles, as well as a partnership with Greenpeace, the Small Business Administration, and the Anthem Awards, where we earned a Gold Award for Community Voices.
This year also marks another milestone—I signed my first book deal, and A Dry White Winter will be released soon and available for order on www.rafaelamoura.com.
Through my work, writing, and civic engagements, I hope to continue bridging the gaps between policy, science, and community action—ensuring a more just and resilient future for all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been anything but a smooth road. Growing up in Brazil under a military regime, I witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of environmental destruction, social injustice, and displacement. I watched environmental defenders assassinated across Latin America—then and now, one of the most dangerous places in the world to fight for the planet. My own family was displaced during Brazil’s dictatorship, and this work remains under constant scrutiny.
Fighting for environmental protection and social equity has put me at odds with powerful interests—from corporate giants to political forces. The cost of justice is high, and the toll it takes is both personal and professional. In my career in the Federal Government in the United States, I’ve had to navigate complex bureaucracies, confront systemic corruption, and push back against institutions that often prioritize profit over people.
As a Latin American and a displaced environmental defender, I’ve had to grapple with even deeper struggles—relocating to different countries, adapting to new cultures, and overcoming systemic racism and discrimination. My work in the Southeast has exposed me to persistent micro-aggressions and institutional barriers that often silence or sideline diverse voices in environmental policy. These challenges are not new, but they serve as a reminder of why representation in this space is so critical.
Despite these struggles, I remain committed to amplifying the voices of those risking their lives for justice. My upcoming book, A Dry White Winter, delves into these political realities, exploring the risks environmental activists face and the systemic obstacles that continue to hinder progress. It also speaks to the everyday resilience required to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in civic engagement campaigns, using creative audiovisuals to empower communities, environmental and socioeconomic policies, and community resilience. Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized for my work in environmental justice and community resilience, including awards from the Environmental Protection Agency and, most recently, a Gold Award from the Anthem Community Voices for my nonprofit, www.RFMProductions.org. Our mission is to support communities impacted by environmental disasters and climate change.
I’m also incredibly proud of my upcoming book, A Dry White Winter, which sheds light on the systemic challenges I’ve faced and the urgent environmental and social issues we must address. For me, all of this work is about creating a better path forward—not just for impacted communities but for future generations, including my daughter’s.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success isn’t just about money, recognition, or awareness—it’s about real change, healing from systemic oppression, and dismantling the mindset that continues to fuel discrimination and inequality. It means creating a world where representation is the norm, systemic racism is eradicated, and access to clean air, water, and economic stability isn’t a privilege but a basic right. True success is measured by how much we can uplift those who have been displaced, marginalized or harmed ensuring they have the same opportunities to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rfmproduction.org
