Honorees

The 2019 Pequeno Príncipe Gala will honor one of the most important scientists in Brazil: Lygia da Veiga Pereira. She graduated in Physics by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), has a master’s in Biological Sciences by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and a doctorate degree in Biomedical Sciences by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. She has made important contributions through her research.

There are works that have made a significant impact to society. For example, Lygia was part of a group that sequenced the human genome. She also produced, in 2008, the first line of embryo stem cells in Brazil and was heavily involved in debates on the topic between 2004 and 2008, that culminated in the approval of the law that allowed the development of research using embryo stem cells in the country.

According to her, one of her missions is to translate science into a language that allows the population to understand and consciously decide what paths to follow. This way, Lygia is constantly requested by professionals such as journalists to explain, analyze and give opinions about research advances, being a sort of translator of science to society.

Shining careers in the United States
Pequeno Príncipe Gala will also honor Paul J. Fribourg and Paula Zahn. In the past decade, Paul Fribourg has worked as president and executive director of Continental Grain, an international agricultural and investment business that is among one of the biggest private companies in the United States. He graduated with honors in Amherst College and in Advanced Administration from Harvard University and took on important job titles in the corporate world during his career.

Paula Zahn is a nine time Emmy award winner, the greatest award in television. She is the executive producer and host of “On the Case with Paula Zahn,” a weekly crime investigation show on the ID channel. She is also the host of “NYC-Arts”, a show about art and culture shown by channel THIRTEEN. Paula began her career in local news and her first national debut was when she hosted Good Morning America on ABC News. After, she worked in CBS News, Fox News and CNN. Alongside her professional career, the award-winning journalist also dedicates her time to various charity organizations and spreads awareness about breast cancer.

Click here to learn more about how to participate in the 2019 Gala, which will be held in New York City.