Beatriz Cardoso Fernandes: “Education must be flexible, inclusive, and deeply human-centered.”
With a background in management and public policy, and a strong commitment to social impact, Beatriz joined 42 with a mission to create opportunities through education. After working with NGOs and international organizations on refugee education and sustainability, she took on the role of COO at 42 Porto, where she now helps shape a learning environment that is inclusive, dynamic, and purpose-driven.
Can you please talk to us about your background? What is your education and what were you doing before 42?
I have a background in management and public policy, with a strong focus on social impact. After studying Management, I pursued a double MSc in Public Policy and Human Development at the United Nations University, MERIT.
Before joining 42, I worked with NGOs and international organizations, contributing to refugee education initiatives in India and Greece, as well as research on sustainability and migration. My focus has always been on creating opportunities for people through education. Therefore, 42 felt like a natural evolution of that mission.
What do you like most about your position at your campus?
What I enjoy most is the variety of tasks: no two days are ever the same. As COO, I have the opportunity to work across all levels of the organization: strategy, people, partnerships, and daily operations. I collaborate closely with students, staff, and partners who truly believe in what we’re building. It’s deeply motivating to see how every decision, big or small, can make a real difference in someone’s journey. I am happy to be part of a movement and a team that redefines how we learn and grow.
What’s your vision for the future of education?
I believe the future of education is flexible, inclusive, and deeply human-centered. We need systems that respect individual paths, foster autonomy, and prepare people for a constantly evolving world, not just with technical skills, but with critical thinking, empathy, and resilience. Peer learning, project-based approaches, and open-access models like 42 are at the forefront of that shift. The more we empower learners to lead their own growth, the stronger our societies will be.
What is your management style, and how do you make your team work together?
I like to lead with trust. My goal is to build a culture where people feel safe to experiment, take ownership, and bring their full selves to work. I’m also a big fan of feedback and celebrating wins, big or small. In a team environment like ours, collaboration is everything, and that starts with listening, for example.
42 has 4 pillar values: openness, excellence, tech, and ethics. Which one is the most important to you and why?
It’s a tough choice, but if I had to pick one, it would be openness. It’s the foundation that makes all the others possible. Openness invites diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to shape the community. It encourages us to question, evolve, and stay grounded in reality.
