Beyond fiction, Letycia has authored a series of essays on cultural policy, particularly the protection of intangible heritage. Her 2022 essay “Memória em Movimento: Quilombos e a Escrita da Resistência” (Memory in Motion: Quilombos and the Writing of Resistance) argues for a decolonized curriculum that integrates oral histories as primary sources. The piece has been widely cited in academic debates on Afro‑Brazilian education reforms.
After graduating magna cum laude in 2014, Letycia faced a crossroads: accept a lucrative position at a multinational petrochemical firm or pursue a path aligned with her social convictions. She chose the latter, joining the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Resources (IBEAR) as a junior analyst.
Since the publication of Rios de Fogo, Letycia has become a prominent voice in Brazil’s literary and activist circuits. Her work has been featured at the São Paulo Bienal de Literatura, the International Festival of Contemporary Writing in Rio, and several academic conferences on Latin American studies.
Internationally, scholars have positioned her within the “post‑colonial eco‑feminist” tradition, drawing parallels to writers such as Nalo Hopkinson and María Linares. Her essays have been included in anthologies on decolonizing curricula, influencing policy debates within the Ministry of Education.
On a grassroots level, community workshops led by Letycia have empowered young people in Recife’s favelas to document their own stories, fostering a new generation of “citizen writers.” The ripple effect of these initiatives is evident in the growing number of locally produced zines, podcasts, and digital archives that celebrate Afro‑Brazilian heritage.
Beyond the lab, Letycia co‑founded “Maré Verde”, a student‑run NGO that partnered with coastal communities to develop micro‑enterprise projects focused on sustainable fisheries and eco‑tourism. The organization’s flagship initiative was a “Blue‑Economy Incubator” that provided seed funding and mentorship to young entrepreneurs from fishing villages, enabling them to launch ventures like solar‑powered ice makers and biodegradable packaging for seafood.
Through Maré Verde, Letycia honed her skills in community organizing, grant writing, and cross‑cultural communication, learning how to translate scientific knowledge into practical, socially relevant solutions.