Born in Capão Redondo, São Paulo, Marcos grew up surrounded by poverty, drugs and violence. A difficult childhood led to a personal life riddled with crime and met with death. 

Through the tragic loss of a friend and the support of local youth center Casa do Zezinho, he was able to shift his future. He went to University, became a Professor at the school from which he was once expelled and later founded Instituto Projeto Sonhar - a nonprofit focused on helping youth from vulnerable backgrounds.

Through his past hardships, Prof. Lopes aims to uplift and create a life story focused on education, helping others and instilling change...​

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