The WCO Series on Successful Women in Customs brings to light the experiences of women who have shaped the future of Customs through their dedication and leadership. This month, we sat down with Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro, a remarkable figure in Brazilian Customs whose career is marked by resilience, transformative leadership and a passion for social change. From tackling childhood challenges to leading significant projects like the new Export Project based on the Single Window system, Sandra’s journey reflects a deep commitment to inclusiveness and a desire to make a difference. Her story reminds us that behind every accomplished professional lies a personal path of learning and determination.

WCO: Sandra, your career has taken some interesting turns. How did you find yourself in Customs? Was it something you always planned on doing?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: Not at all. I actually started out as a civil engineer, but, in 1994, Brazil went through an economic crisis, and that made me rethink my options. My father, who was a public servant, encouraged me to consider a career in the public sector. The entrance exam for the Receita Federal – the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service – was quite challenging, so I spent a year preparing, studying law, accounting and other subjects. When I passed the exam in 1996, I was thrilled, though I didn’t know much about Customs back then, so, not surprisingly, my first job at the Receita Federal involved a steep learning curve.

I began my career at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, the second busiest in Brazil, working in export operations. That’s where I fell in love with the field. The world of Customs was dynamic, constantly evolving – no two days were the same. I found myself eager to learn and improve, and that passion has stayed with me ever since. It’s what keeps me going; there’s always a new challenge to take up, and I thrive on that.

WCO: You played a significant role in leading the Export Project under the Single Window programme. Can you share more about that experience?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: The Single Window, or “Portal Único”, was one of the most ambitious projects I’ve been part of. It started in 2014 when I was invited to manage the Export Project because of my background in Customs exports. We set out to simplify and streamline Customs procedures across Brazil, following the Revised Kyoto Convention’s principles of simplification, harmonization and predictability, and the guidelines outlined in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

At first, the project was small, but it quickly grew beyond what we had anticipated. I led a team of 80 people and coordinated with 22 stakeholders, including from the private sector and various government departments. There were definitely conflicts along the way; when you’re dealing with so many different interests, disagreements are inevitable. But I believed in the project’s potential, and that belief kept me pushing forward.

The turning point was when the team began to realize that we weren’t just changing processes for our own institutions – we were building something for the entire country. Seeing that shift in mindset, with everyone coming together for a common cause, was incredibly rewarding.

WCO: Leading such a diverse team must have come with its own challenges, especially in a male-dominated field. How did you navigate that?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: I’ve always worked in male-dominated environments, first in engineering and then in Customs, so I guess I was used to it by the time I got here. Studying engineering definitely helped me in this regard – it prepared me for the reality of being in a field where women are often the minority. It taught me to be assertive, to speak up and to hold my ground. I never saw my gender as a barrier, just something that came with the territory.

That said, I quickly realized that being an effective leader requires more than just assertiveness. I needed to develop emotional intelligence and learn to connect with people on a deeper level. Leadership isn’t just about giving directions – it’s about listening, understanding and building relationships.

To be honest, I wasn’t always this way. As a child, I wore orthopaedic boots due to a medical condition, and I had a bit of a temper. If I got upset, I’d kick people with them! (laughs) It took time for me to learn how to manage my emotions and channel them in a positive way. Thankfully, our organization offers training in areas like interpersonal skills and management, and I also made an effort to learn on my own. I wanted to understand people better, not just as a leader but as a person. That journey of self-improvement has been central to who I am today.

WCO: How did you feel when the Export Project under the Single Window programme was completed? Were you ready to take on a new challenge right away?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: I felt a mix of relief and excitement. There was definitely a sense of “mission accomplished”, but I’ve never been one to sit still for too long. I knew I needed something new to keep me engaged, so I moved into risk management. Customs is always evolving, and that’s one of the things I love about it – there’s always a new problem to solve or a new skill to acquire. It keeps me motivated and focused on the future. After working in exports and risk management, I have been a manager at the Salvador Alfândega – Customs Office – for three years, managing two ports and an international airport in Bahia.

WCO: Alongside your professional achievements, you’re also actively involved in the Women, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission. What led you to join this initiative?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: The Commission was established in October 2023 by the Receita Federal, and I was drawn to it because I’ve always been passionate about inclusiveness, not just for women but for people with special needs as well. Growing up, I never saw my physical disability as a limitation. My parents treated me the same as my brothers, who were both much taller than me, while I was Iess than 1.4 m tall, and that gave me a strong sense of self. However, I knew that not everyone was as accepting, and that motivated me to fight against prejudice.

Joining the Commission gave me a platform to advocate for a more inclusive environment and to help create a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. It’s about more than just promoting gender equality – it’s about making sure that every person, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.

WCO: You’re also leading a project that gives a second life to seized goods. Can you tell us more about that?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: This initiative is something I’m really passionate about. In my current role as the Head of the Customs Office in Bahia, I’ve seen so many seized counterfeit goods being destroyed, and it just didn’t feel right, especially given the poverty levels in Brazil. I thought there had to be a better way, so I got involved in an initiative by Brazilian Customs, looking for opportunities to repurpose these goods. We’ve partnered with universities and other organizations to find ways to transform these items. For example, fashion students turn clothing into uniforms for schools or sports teams. Of course, we remove the infringing labels and other problematic brand signs, and we work closely with rights holders’ representatives. It’s been so rewarding to see these items, which would have been discarded, bring value to people in need.

WCO: It sounds like your work keeps you quite busy. How do you find time for yourself?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: (smiles) I do make time for myself. I’m passionate about handcrafting, especially working with wood and painting. It’s my way of unwinding and expressing my creativity. My husband shares this passion, and although we each have our own studio, we enjoy crafting together. It’s important to find a balance, especially when life gets hectic.

WCO: You’ve mentioned the importance of balancing your career and personal life. Can you tell us more about your family and the role they’ve played in your journey?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: I’ve been married for 27 years, and my husband has been a tremendous support throughout my career. With all the travel that comes with this job, it’s reassuring to know I have someone who can manage things at home. In fact, I have two trips coming up in November, and I know he’ll handle everything smoothly while I’m away.

We don’t have any children, but my parents, who are 98 and 91 years old, are still around and very active. Sometimes, they’re a little too active! (laughs) They certainly keep me on my toes, and, while it’s challenging at times, I’m grateful for every moment I get to spend with them.

WCO: Your dedication to leadership and social change is evident. What advice would you give to young women in Customs who aspire to leadership roles?

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: Don’t be afraid to take up space and make your voice heard. Customs may be a male-dominated field, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for women to lead. Developing emotional intelligence is essential – it helps you connect with people and guide them effectively. I would also encourage young women to seek mentorship opportunities. At the Receita Federal, we’re working on launching mentorship programmes in 2025 to help prepare women for leadership positions. When we support each other, we all become stronger.

WCO: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Sandra. Your story is truly inspiring, and it’s been a privilege to learn more about the person behind the achievements.

Sandra Aparecida Magnavita Castro: Thank you. It’s an honour to share my story, and I’m deeply grateful to the WCO for providing this platform. Customs isn’t just a job for me – it’s a passion. If my experiences can inspire others, then I’m more than happy to share them.