In this episode we feature Marcelo Paixão, an economist, sociologist, and professor at UT-Austin. Professor Paixão discusses his academic journey, his transition to UT Austin, and his work on ethnic and racial equity through the LAESER Laboratory and the Brazil Center. He also shares insights from his tenure as president of the Brazilian Studies Association (BRASA) and explores the role of academia in promoting racial equity and addressing inequalities in Brazil and Latin America.