Hi, I’m Rica Amaral, a passionate advocate for ReFi, focused on building communities and spreading the knowledge that can drive real-world impact. My journey has taken me across borders, languages, and diverse communities, but my mission remains the same: to empower others with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to engage in building a more regenerative world.
My work revolves around creating spaces and platforms that support ReFi, through podcasts, workshops, and partnerships, I’m committed to helping people understand what ReFi can do and how they can be part of it—whether through education, collaboration, or direct action.
Here’s how I’ve contributed to the regenerative finance ecosystem and the ReFi DAO community:
ReFi DAO & Partnerships: As Head of Partnerships for ReFi DAO, I spent 2023 connecting key players in the space. From forming partnerships with CELO, ICP, and Polygon to building bridges across ecosystems, my focus was on strengthening the regenerative movement by bringing people and projects together.
Planta-R Podcast: I host Planta-R, a podcast in Portuguese that gives voice to ReFi projects across the Lusophone world—Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Portugal, and beyond. With nine episodes live and a second season on the way, I’m working to create a space where Portuguese-speaking communities can connect with the global ReFi movement and contribute to its growth.
ReFi Node Lisboa: As co-founder of the first ReFi Node in Lisbon, I’m helping to build a local ReFi ecosystem through community events, educational programs, and workshops. From hosting sessions for immigrants and refugees to explore blockchain and employment opportunities, to supporting new ReFi projects in Portugal, we’re laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and regenerative economy.
Mentorship & Hackathons: I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of builders through workshops at universities and events like the NOVA hackathons, where I guide students and innovators in exploring blockchain’s potential for regenerative finance.
Positive Blockchain: In 2018, I co-founded Positive Blockchain, which has grown into one of the largest databases for impact-driven blockchain projects. This platform connects people who are eager to make a difference through blockchain, and has inspired blockchain-for-impact events in cities like Berlin.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that regenerative finance can create real change—both in the way we structure our economies and in how we uplift and care for our communities and the planet.
My key goals are:
Expanding Knowledge and Accessibility: Through platforms like Planta-R and my workshops, I aim to make ReFi more accessible, especially to communities who might not traditionally have access to Web3 tools, with a focus on Portuguese-speaking regions.
Empowering Local Communities & Projects: My work with ReFi Lisboa focuses on educating and equipping local communities —particularly marginalized groups, such as immigrants and refugees in Lisbon—so they can engage in ReFi for both personal and collective growth.
Supporting the Global ReFi Movement: From leading the global ReFi toolkit update to writing the 2024 ReFi DAO nodes round-up and representing ReFi at events like ETH Prague, I strive to ensure that local grassroots efforts are connected to the global regenerative movement.
I believe that regeneration starts with community, and that’s what drives my work—whether it’s building partnerships across the ReFi space, mentoring the next generation, or simply creating platforms for people to share their stories and ideas. I’ve been fortunate to help spread the message of ReFi in Lisbon, Berlin, São Paulo, and beyond, and I’m always humbled by the incredible people I meet who share the same vision for a better, regenerative future. Together, we’re making it happen.