2019 Person of the Year Awards Gala Dinner
One of the most important events in the
bilateral agenda of Brazil and the United States
Revisit the prestigious 2019 Person of the Year Awards, a celebration of the enduring partnership between Brazil and the United States.
Since 1970, this iconic event has brought together influential leaders to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening the ties between these two nations. The evening combines inspiring tributes with unparalleled networking opportunities, recognizing impactful initiatives that foster collaboration and positive change in both communities.
Event Details
The Person of the Year Awards has been organized annually since 1970 by The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. The ceremony honors two outstanding leaders who have been particularly instrumental in forging closer ties between Brazil and the United States. Over 1,000 leaders from the international business, financial, and diplomatic communities convene in New York City each year at this traditional gala to pay tribute to the honorees. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. It was a memorable evening honoring Jair Messias Bolsonaro, 38th President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as the Brazilian awardee; and Michael Richard Pompeo, United States Secretary of State, as the American awardee. Over 70 companies sponsored the event, securing funds to support the Person of the Year Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program is conducted in partnership with Ling Institute and Lemann Foundation, and since 2011 has sponsored 95 students.
Marriott Marquis Times Square
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2019
Person of the
Year Awards
The 2019 Person of the Year Awards Gala Dinner, took place at Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York, on Tuesday, May 14th.
2019 POY Honorees
American Recipient
President Jair
Messias Bolsonaro
American Recipient
Secretary of State
Michael R. Pompeo
As a way to relive important moments from the 2019 Person of the Year Awards Gala Dinner, we are pleased to share with you the links to the photo gallery.
Gallery
POY Brazil Week
in New York City
A primary time during which Brazilians come to New York to discuss new ventures and collaborate with their business counterparts.
Brazil Week™ draws Brazilian leaders to New York for business collaboration and cultural exchange. Anchored by the Person of the Year Awards Gala, this lineup of events showcases Brazil's vibrant business presence in the city. Sponsoring companies and institutions — including Financial Times, Banco Itaú, and Forbes Brasil — support the week's events, furthering the Chamber's mission to strengthen Brazil-US ties. The celebration includes the NYSE Opening Bell® ceremony, where POY honors ring the bell, honoring Brazilian-American relations and underscoring the Chamber's mission.
Empowering
Future Leaders
Proceeds from the POY Awards Gala Dinner fund the Person of the Year Fellowship Program, which awards scholarships to exceptional young Brazilian professionals accepted into leading US graduate programs. Established in 2011, this program supports emerging professionals who show potential to drive impact in the Brazilian-American community. In partnership with Instituto Ling, Fundação Lemann, and United Airlines, our Fellowship Program has awarded several scholarships to date, fostering a new generation of transformative talents.
Person of the Year Archive
Discover the people and companies that have been shaping the history of Brazil-U.S. relations.
