[1] She grew up in a poor family of rubber tappers, and she is the youngest of 15 children.

Almeida spent five years studying to be a Dominican nun in a convent in Cruzeiro do Sul, but later left the religious life for social activism, later writing on her social media that "I believe we can serve God wherever we are.

"[2] She is married to Edvaldo Magalhães, whom she met at a communist party meeting in Rio Branco.

[3] Prior to becoming a politician, Almeida worked as a banker and as a teacher.

[3] In the 2014 Brazilian general election, Almeida contested the seat in the Federal Senate against Gladson Cameli.