Maria de Lourdes Egydio Villela

Maria de Lourdes Egydio Villela, widely recognized as Milu, stands out in Brazil as an eminent businesswoman, respected philanthropist, and distinguished heiress with deep roots in the country's financial sector. Originating from a lineage of pioneers, she is the granddaughter of the visionary who established Banco Itaú, with her father contributing significantly to the business landscape through the founding of Duratex. Milu Villela's influential role extends to serving on the board of directors for Itaúsa and the esteemed São Paulo Museum of Modern Art. Her academic accolades include a degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. Further cementing her status as a formidable leader and philanthropist, she was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for inclusive education in November 2004, a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact on society.