Meet Brazil’s First Lead Robot Inspector in FIRST Robotics Competition 

Meet Amanda, a Software Developer and Researcher and engineering student from Brazil. As Brazil’s first and only Lead Robot Inspector (LRI) for FIRST^® Robotics Competition, Amanda has been invested in the mission and spirit of FIRST^® since she joined FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1156 “Under Control.”

As a FIRST alum, she now works as a Software Developer and Researcher for HP as part of the Personal Systems Software team. Surrounded by innovation every day, she is passionate about fostering the next generation and their passion for STEAM and robotics.

Keep reading to learn about the significant impact Amanda is making on other FIRST students and her community.

FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current role at HP?

Amanda: I work as a Software Developer and Researcher at HP, as part of the Personal Systems Software team within the Technology and Innovation Organization. My role focuses on solving complex problems by building meaningful software solutions driven by research and innovation. HP Brazil is located at TECNOPUC, which was named the World’s Best Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at the Triple E Awards 2025, making it an inspiring environment to build technology that impacts millions of people globally!

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your current role as a Software Developer and Researcher at HP?

Amanda: My favorite part is working with innovation every day and knowing that my work directly impacts lives around the world. I am also deeply inspired by HP’s culture of social responsibility. Volunteering is a core part of the HP Way, and that aligns strongly with my values. Being part of initiatives like Women@HP and seeing women actively supported makes me proud to work in an environment that values people as much as technology.

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your job?

Amanda: The hardest part is navigating complex problems where there is no clear or immediate solution. Innovation often means dealing with uncertainty, learning quickly, and adapting constantly. Balancing technical depth with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams can be challenging, but it is also what drives growth. These challenges push me to continuously improve, communicate better, and think creatively; skills I developed through FIRST.

FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work and life?

Amanda: I use both technical and non-technical STEAM skills every day, skills I had the privilege to start developing early thanks to FIRST. Programming, data analysis, and problem-solving are part of my daily work, but so are teamwork, leadership, communication, and proactivity. STEAM, to me, is not just about technology; it is about people, impact, and turning ideas into real solutions.

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM?

Amanda: Beyond my professional work, I actively lead and support initiatives to increase participation in STEAM at my university, recognized by the Brazilian Computer Society. I create educational content about robotics, programming, and STEAM, and also share my own STEM journey. I reached over 400,000 people last year through this work alone!

I have also volunteered extensively with FIRST since 2018. As the first FIRST Robotics Competition LRI in my country and a Judge Advisor for FIRST^® Tech Challenge, I help ensure events run safely and fairly, enabling teams and programs to grow sustainably. By showing up and opening doors, I help create pathways for more students, teams, and communities to thrive in STEAM.

FIRST Staff: Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you?

Amanda: Matt Mittag inspires me deeply. He is a mentor for FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1816 “The Green Machine” and is an LRI in Minnesota. He traveled to Brazil three times to train me as an LRI and consistently encouraged me to step into leadership. In 2024, I had the honor of serving as a Robot Inspector in his division at the 2024 FIRST Championship. Thanks to his mentorship, kindness, and patience, I became the first LRI in Brazil. I am where I am today because someone believed in me, and that inspires me to do the same for others.

FIRST Staff: Do you have a message you want to share for students who are participating in FIRST today?

Amanda: FIRST will be some of the hardest fun you will ever have, but it is also a powerful head start in your academic and professional life. Embrace every challenge, learn from failures, and enjoy the journey. Develop not only technical skills, but also communication, leadership, and teamwork. These experiences will shape who you become far beyond robotics.

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.