Meet our LOVers - Marília Breite

Who are you?

I’m Marília Breite: a Brazilian by birth, a Leuvenaar by choice. I'm a political scientist, creative, mum, and someone who genuinely cares about building a better world for the generations to come.

I try to connect the dots, in stories, communities, and even in the litter on our streets. In Leuven, I launched Bin Your Butts Leuven, a project that exposes how cigarette butts are the most littered item on earth. They leach heavy metals before breaking down into microplastics. On top of that, the tobacco industry is responsible for around 5% of global deforestation. I want to help prevent another generation from falling into the hands of the tobacco industry. 

Alongside this, I work on projects that tackle social injustice and inequality. And from time to time, I write about life, art, culture, and everything in between on my blog papelcomclips.com.

Why did you become a LOVer? 

When I first arrived in Leuven, I was welcomed—not perfectly, but sincerely. That experience made me reflect on what belonging really means. 

As Bell Hooks said, “When we are taught that safety lies always with sameness, then difference, of any kind, will appear as a threat.” LOV2030 does the opposite; it embraces difference as something necessary and valuable. Joining the Droomteam felt like a natural way to contribute to a city that is still being shaped, and to make sure more people feel seen and part of that process.

What does LOV mean to you? 

LOV, for me, is a living, breathing invitation to reflect on who belongs, whose voices are heard, and whose stories get to shape the future. 

Grada Kilomba once asked, “Who can speak? What can we speak about? And what happens when we speak?” That question stays with me. LOV is a chance to make sure the answer is: everyone can speak, everything can be talked about, and change can happen when we truly listen.

LOV is all about new encouters. Who did you meet during your stay in Leuven who gave you a LOVely feeling? 

Leuven is where I rebuilt my life from scratch. It’s where I became a mother, found real friendships, and met people who’ve changed me. 

I think especially about my theatre classes at WISPER, with a teacher from Mexico and classmates from all over the world. The energy in that room was incredible, and by the last class, no one wanted to leave. It was one of those rare spaces where cultures blended naturally and everyone felt safe just being themselves. That, to me, is what a LOVely community feels like.

When was the last time you were astonished by nature?

Today, during a walk with my husband at Park Abbey. There’s something powerful about how nature and history coexist there. Every time I walk through it, I’m reminded of how quietly everything is connected.

Do you think art and culture can contribute to more connection?

Absolutely! But only if they’re honest. Art shouldn’t be polite or decorative. It should challenge us, move us, make us stop and look again. That’s where real connection begins: in the unexpected, in the discomfort, and in the conversations that follow.

What is your favorite LOVely place in Leuven & beyond? 

In Leuven, it has to be the Begijnhof (Great Beguinage). It’s peaceful and full of quiet beauty, but also full of history. It was once a medieval village of strong women - the beguines - who chose to live independently. Some were admired, others were seen as threats. One beguine, Marguerite Porete, was even burned at the stake in France for speaking too freely about her beliefs. To me, the Begijnhof is more than a pretty place. It’s a reminder of resilience, community, and rebellion.

What do you hope for 2030?

I hope Leuven stays brave. Brave enough to stay open, even when it’s uncomfortable. I hope my daughter grows up in a city that values critical thinking and listens when people speak. And I hope we keep imagining better futures: imperfect, perhaps, but full of care and intention.

Any final LOVely thoughts you'd like to leave us with?

Start before you're ready. Make space for awkwardness, and listen deeply to people whose stories you don’t know yet.

If Leuven truly wants to become Europe’s capital of culture, let’s begin by being a capital of kindness, curiosity, and courage. That’s a city I want to keep building - with others, not alone.