In a sport where, for over 40 years—from 1941 to 1983—women were banned from playing, notable female leaders have sporadically emerged in club leadership roles, such as club presidents. This began in the 1990s with Marlene Matheus as president of Corinthians (1991–1993), followed by Patrícia Amorim leading Flamengo in 2010, and more recently, Leila Pereira as the current president of Palmeiras.
Beyond club presidencies, women are taking on prominent roles in various sports organizations. Below, we present the stories and testimonies of some of the key women working behind the scenes in Brazilian soccer.
Paula Braytne, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at galera.bet
As the main sponsor of Ferroviária’s women’s team, galera.bet is committed to supporting women's soccer. The betting platform has established a solid diversity program and features women in key leadership positions, such as Paula Braytne, Chief Compliance Officer, and Ana Bárbara Teixeira in Regulatory Affairs.
"Despite being a male-dominated industry, we are increasingly creating opportunities for women to occupy positions and develop within the betting sector. I believe diversity is essential for the industry's growth, and mutual support among women should be prioritized to achieve true inclusion. As a woman and a leader, my role is to ensure that we take this cause seriously, both within and beyond our organization—whether with employees, business partners, or society at large," emphasizes Paula Braytne.
Lorena Lima, Head of Customer Experience (CX) at EstrelaBet
(over 15 years of experience in transforming consumer experiences)
"In a market that has historically been male-dominated, it is inspiring to know that my work helps pave the way for more women to occupy leadership positions, demonstrating that we are capable of making a difference in any area. Leadership goes beyond a job title—it’s about inspiring other women to believe in their potential and ensuring the corporate environment is increasingly inclusive and diverse."
"The iGaming industry has made significant strides in gender equity, and this is evident at EstrelaBet. As a newly regulated sector, we see more women in strategic positions. At EstrelaBet, there is a balance in mid-level leadership, and my role as Head of CX highlights how the voice of the consumer—and consequently, my team—plays a fundamental role in the company's decisions.
Moreover, the company invests in policies that support this progress, such as extended paternity leave, maternity kits for new parents, and even a day off for employees on their children's birthdays, fostering a more welcoming environment for women and those seeking to balance career and family."
Talita Lacerda, Chief Operating Officer at Ana Gaming
Ana Gaming, the group behind brands such as 7K, Cassino, and Vera, also has women in leadership roles, including Talita Lacerda, Chief Operating Officer. The company sponsors Vitória and Mirassol through 7K, while Cassino serves as the main sponsor of Fortaleza.
"The qualification of women in various segments of sports has increased significantly. At Ana Gaming, we are constantly reminded of the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women to achieve their dreams and full potential. We must recognize and value their achievements, struggles, and contributions to society."
Leticia Reis, Head of Finance & HR at Casa de Apostas
Casa de Apostas, a major betting company, has an internal policy dedicated to ensuring women's representation and promoting gender equality. Currently, five women hold strategic leadership positions: CIO Livia Troise, Head of Marketing Jessica Sousa, Head of CRM Tiara Favero, Head of Finance & HR Leticia Reis, and Compliance Legal specialist Tisa Monique Santos.
"It is important to recognize the company’s commitment to giving women greater representation, granting us full autonomy in our roles, and promoting equality within the corporate environment," said Leticia Reis, who has been with Casa de Apostas since its inception.
Milandra Possato and Juliana Santos, Marketing and Customer Experience Managers at HiperBet
At HiperBet, a sports betting platform authorized by the Federal Government and a sponsor of the 2025 Paulista Championship, Milandra Possato and Juliana Santos play key roles as Marketing and Customer Experience Managers, respectively. Milandra highlights the strength of women and the commitment to increasing female representation in the industry:
"It was a privilege to build a project from scratch, bringing together expertise and forming a true dream team. Being a woman in leadership at one of the fastest-growing betting companies is incredibly rewarding.
"I have been in this industry for over four years, and throughout this journey, I have witnessed the impact of female strength and determination in the sector. Beyond securing our own space, we are paving the way for more women to grow and find inspiration. At HiperBet, we have many women on our team and remain committed to expanding this representation," says Milandra.
Juliana, in turn, underscores the importance of female representation in the industry:
"I understand how crucial women's presence in the corporate world is, especially in leadership roles. Being in this space is not just about my personal journey but about opening doors so other women can see that they, too, can reach these heights. Being a woman in this market means taking the lead, breaking barriers, and proving that leadership is built on experience, dedication, and strategic vision. Female presence in the betting sector is a testament to resilience and strength. I firmly believe that a diverse environment is key to collective growth."
Sofia Aldin, CMO at Grupo Esportes da Sorte
Esportes da Sorte, one of Brazil’s leading betting platforms with strong involvement in entertainment and sports—including serving as Corinthians’ main sponsor—also prioritizes diversity and female empowerment. The company has a policy of expanding opportunities for women, with more than 50% of its workforce being female, and half of the leadership positions occupied by women. Among its top executives are Vice President Marcela Campos and CMO Sofia Aldin.
"We at Esportes da Sorte are proud to be a brand that promotes diversity and female empowerment. That’s why our company is committed to fostering a work environment where inclusivity and pluralism are top priorities. Additionally, we implement routines that prioritize the emotional well-being of our female employees. Mental health is an integral part of our success, and we encourage a balanced approach between work and personal life," says Sofia.
Elisa Mussolino, Strategic Project Manager at Paag, a techfin offering technology solutions for the iGaming sector
Women are also making strides in the companies that provide technology for the sports betting industry. Elisa Mussolino, Strategic Project Manager at Paag—a techfin specializing in iGaming solutions—highlights the role of women in the fintech and technology sectors and the challenges they still face.
"Being in this space means facing challenges while embracing countless opportunities. It represents a journey of perseverance, continuous learning, and overcoming obstacles—often by breaking down gender stereotypes. Women in this field can become major agents of change, contributing to more creative, inclusive, and innovative solutions. I believe that our decision-making and way of thinking will be increasingly valued, adding significant contributions to companies in these industries," she states.
Source: GMB
