Connie Souto-LearmanDirector, Compliance
Connie Souto Learman joined Opportunity International to lead and execute the Compliance Program, working across the organization to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures, donor funding, government requirements, and rules and regulations. In her role, she oversees training and awareness-raising for Opportunity’s standards of conduct.
Originally from Brazil, Connie has had a versatile career within private and public organizations, domestically and abroad. Connie has over a decade of experience in legal counsel, compliance, and award administration. Upon relocating to the United States, she worked for state and jurisdictional government agencies. At the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, she headed the Human Resources department, implementing compliance to assist and promote independence for persons who are legally blind. As Community Development Director at the Mississippi Arts Commission, Connie managed grant programs for organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Most recently, Connie worked for non-profit organizations, including World Vision US in Washington, DC, where she served as senior principal advisor for all compliance issues related to public and private sector grant funding.
Connie is a longtime advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She continues to serve on various Diversity and Inclusion councils and strategy groups to educate, raise awareness, and create organizational strategy and policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Connie received her Master in Business Administration degree from Millsaps College – Else School of Management (US) and her Doctorate in Political Science from Universitat de Barcelona (Spain). While attending Law School at the Universidade Católica de Pernambuco (Brazil), she was selected for a year-long engagement program at the University Iberoamericana (Mexico). Connie lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, Andrew, and their three children.