Maria José de Castro Rebello Mendes (1891–1936) was Brazil’s first woman diplomat, entering the foreign service in 1918. Initially barred from the entrance exam, she gained the right to compete based on a legal opinion by jurist Rui Barbosa and ranked first, sparking controversy in a male-dominated institution. Despite resistance, she built a distinguished 12‑year career at Itamaraty, becoming a landmark figure in the advancement of women’s inclusion in Brazil.