Degree in Psychology. 2001, as Representative of the Chamber of Deputies, elected to preside over the Parliamentary Bloc for Agriculture and Livestock of the Brazilian Congress. 2006, elected first woman Senator for the State of Tocantins. 2008, elected first woman President, Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA), which comprises 27 state-level agriculture and livestock federations and about 2,000 rural unions throughout Brazil; the sector is responsible for 27% of the country's gross domestic product, accounts for almost 40% of Brazilian exports and employs over one-third of the country's workforce. Runs a farm implementing integrated crop, livestock and forest production. Author of weekly editorials in Folha de São Paulo.