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16 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com Maria das Gracas Silva Foster Chemical Engineer POLITICS ENTERTAINMENT Misty Copeland Ballet Dancer Maria das Gracas Silva Foster was raised by her mother in Morro do Adeus, a shantytown outside of Rio de Janeiro. Despite her living conditions, Foster was constantly encouraged by her mother to reach for the stars. She went on to earn degrees in chemical engineering, science and business administration. In a career that spans more than 30 years, Foster is one of the most powerful businesswomen in Brazil, serving as CEO of Petrobras, a Brazilian state-controlled oil company. With annual revenues of $144 billion, Petrobras is the highest-ranking woman-led company on the Fortune Global 500. Shukria Barakzai is viewed by many as a modern day heroine. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Barakzai has broken the glass ceiling for many women in the Middle East by becoming an outspoken Afghan politician, journalist, entrepreneur, and Muslim feminist in a country that is heavily controlled by men. During the Taliban's terrifying five-year rule in the country, Barakzai ran a secret school for girls, proving she is a fearless advocate for women's rights and education. Barakzai was recently appointed to choose a new cabinet for the current Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and other parliament members. WOMEN IN THE NEWS - INTERNATIONAL To read more about the women featured, visit us online GravitasMag.com Women continue to break down barriers and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders, from the arts community to philanthropy to the corporate boardroom. Here is a look at six women making international headlines for their groundbreaking efforts. is Kansas City native began her ballet studies at the age of 13. By age 25, she became the third African-American soloist in the American Ballet eatre, one of three leading classical ballet companies in the United States. A year later, Misty Copeland received the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts, a four-year, all expenses paid scholarship to further study the arts. Standing at only 5'2", with a muscular build, and as a woman of color, Copeland broke the mold of what a ballerina is perceived to look like, and opened the door for other aspiring dancers. Copeland can now add reality TV star to her resume: Oxygen Network announced they will be launching a new reality show, "e Misty Copeland Project," where Copeland will mentor young dancers in New York City. by Kayla A. Greaves Shukria Barakzai Journalist POLITICS

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