Ester de Aguiar

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Ester de Aguiar joined the Mobile International Festival in 1985, while still attending the University of South Alabama where she earned a degree in international studies. After graduation she moved to Washington D.C. and worked at the International Monetary Fund, later moved to Atlanta and took a new direction in the field of aeronautics, she attended flight school at Kennesaw State University, while working for an aviation consulting firm where she was responsible for international marketing and trade shows such as the Paris Air Show, and in 1996 she started her own aviation business and moved back to Mobile, AL.

Ester’s passion for teaching and serving the community led her to volunteer for several schools, churches, and philanthropic groups such as Rotary, for over 21 years, Ester has taught her native language Portuguese, Spanish, and visual arts. In Addition, Ester always incorporated world culture to her curriculum, each year students enjoyed a small international festival in the classroom. Ester is passionate

about inspiring students of all ages, her enthusiasm and love for the Mobile International Festival’s mission and vision for a better world through education and understanding of our beautiful world and its people is truly a cause close to her heart. Currently, Ester serves as the Board Secretary for Africatown Heritage Preservation Foundation and is active in several projects in the field of arts and culture. Ester has two daughters, Isabela and Maya; both girls were brought up in the festival, and will continue representing Brazil on her behalf as she continues her role as the Executive Director.