Tell us a bit more about your background and your current work:

Always passionate about the soul and the human being, I became a clinical psychologist after studying in Rome, Paris, and Lisbon. Today I am creator and vice president of DonneXStrada, a nonprofit association that works for the safety of people on the streets and against gender-based violence, and managing director of V. Srl, a company that aims to use more and more technology at the service of people’s safety, with the development of the VIOLA app.

What prompted you to found DonneXStrada? 

The desire to do something about a problem that pervades our lives but still remains there, in its solutions. The impatience and the desire not to wait for someone else to do something. The responsibility to change things, for me and for all the women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow and especially for all those who are no more.

Can you tell us more about the VIOLA app? 

The VIOLA app is the result of wonderful work that my start-up, my partners, and team have been doing for two years. It is finally online! Available in four languages and six countries. The VIOLA app will have all the features you need to feel safe on the road. Some free and some paid for, for obvious reasons. Being CEO and female entrepreneur makes me super proud!

Why did you choose to stay in Italy?

It was a spontaneous choice after living between Paris and Lisbon. For years I thought I wanted to live in Paris, but the quality of life that Rome offers you, the affections, and its beauty made me stay. Further down the road, I hope to go to NY. In general I see Rome and Italy as a base from which I will then move frequently for work or otherwise. I am curious and the greatest good fortune we have is the diversity, culture, humanity, and nature of each country. I want to discover the world as much as possible.

What do you see for the future of women’s safety in Italy? 

Better, definitely. If I wasn’t optimistic I wouldn’t be doing what I do. I believe in human beings and their potential. 

What are the greatest obstacles and satisfactions that you face working in this country?

On the NGO side, my greatest obstacle is definitely being taken seriously from a public and private perspective. There is a lot of talk and little action; we are the opposite. As far as the start-up world is concerned, Italy is backward, boring, and risk-averse to innovation. I hope in this sense to broaden views and have international relationships: I dream big!

My greatest satisfactions are that my projects are international. This allows me to live in Rome, my city, but always keep an eye on other countries and cultures. I am proud to be carrying out the DonneXStrada and VIOLA projects in Italy.