A graduate in Law and a member of the Cabo Verde Bar Association, Dr Gonçalves has served as Minister of Health since 2022. Prior, she was a member of the Government of the 10th legislature, as Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Parliamentary Affairs. As a jurist, she participated in several studies and opinions on Local Authority, Banking, Commercial Law and Public Works Legislation. Dr Gonçalves was also a Deputy of the Nation, having participated in several Specialized Commissions. She is a member of the ECOWAS Parliamentarians' Parliamentary Network against illegal migration and youth promotion and has participated in election observation missions in African countries.