Alumni Awards 2024

Irene Boni, independent director at Edizione (the Benetton family holding company), Safilo, Laminam and Ago Modena Fabbriche Culturali, was recognised for her long and impressive expertise as a top manager and leader of digital transformation in some of Europe's leading companies and scale-ups. She developed a successful career at the YOOX NET-A-PORTER group, before moving into the world of training and education as CEO of Talent Garden. Irene Boni stands out for her extraordinary ability to lead companies with an innovative vision, underpinned by core values of gender equality and inclusivity, guiding organisations towards the future and technological challenges.

Costanza Spocci, Multimedia Journalist and Radio Presenter of Radio3 Mondo, awarded for her outstanding contribution to international journalism. Costanza Spocci is a podcaster and documentary filmmaker specialised in international politics with a particular focus on conflicts and migration in Europe, the MENA region and Central Asia. She has stood out for her professional commitment and the considerable social and cultural value of her work, which promotes a deeper understanding of the dynamics of global conflicts.

Giacomo Campiotti is an Italian director and screenwriter who, through his work in television, has become a household name in Italy, breaking countless viewing records in prime time. His works are known for their strong motivational content and tackle universal themes such as adolescence, social inclusion and the search for meaning in life. Some of his most beloved projects include series such as Braccialetti Rossi, Preferisco il Paradiso and Bianca come il latte, rossa come il sangue. He has had the privilege of directing internationally renowned actors such as Keira Knightley and Sam Neill, to name but a few.

Paolo Buonvino is an Italian composer and musician who writes soundtracks for films and theatre. He has won awards for his works, which are known for their emotional intensity and evocative power. He has worked alongside directors such as Gabriele Muccino, Michele Placido and Carlo Verdone, winning major awards including the David di Donatello and the Nastro d'Argento for the soundtrack of Caos calmo (2008). Buonvino has also worked with artists such as Battiato, Carmen Consoli, Elisa and Negramaro. They were Artistic Director of the Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania.

Fiorenzo Parrinello, Director of Corporate Innovation at Sacmi, was honoured for his outstanding professional achievements in the fields of scientific and technological innovation, knowledge sharing and public-private collaboration. Throughout his career, Fiorenzo pursued the idea of introducing the principles of industrial chemistry and process chemistry to technologies for the development of automatic machine processes to produce innovative packaging. He was also a strong promoter of synergistic collaborations between his company and the University of Bologna, as evidenced by the creation in 2012 of the first joint laboratory between a company and the University of Bologna.

Silvia Gaiani, Chief Executive Officer of V System, was recognised for her strong passion for high-performance materials. She founded V System, a company specialising in exhaust systems and safety components for motorsport. Through her research on titanium alloys and high-temperature resistant materials, Silvia Gaiani has made a significant contribution to the growth of Motor Valley, supporting innovation and excellence in automotive and motorsport applications.

Benfenati, Professor of Neurophysiology at the University of Genoa and Director of the Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology. Awarded for his significant contributions to the physiological mechanisms of neural communication, studying the molecular basis of synaptic transmission and plasticity and the pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases. In recent years, he has been a leading scientist in promoting basic neuroscience in Italy with the aim of reviving the application of new technologies to diseases of the central nervous system.

Andrea Berti, Senior Director of Business Development at the Atlanta Corporation, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting and representing Italian culinary excellence, becoming a true ambassador for Italian products in the United States. His passion, combined with his continuous professional development, has contributed significantly both to the success of the company he works for and to the growth and popularity of Italian food specialities in the United States. His leadership and innovative spirit were instrumental in strengthening the ties between Italy and the United States in the field of food and wine.

Linda Albonetti, Marine Biologist, awarded for her commitment to the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. She has been coordinator and scientific director of natural resource conservation projects in Europe and in the Casamance region of Senegal on behalf of the Experimental Centre for Habitat Protection. Her mission is to contribute to the conservation of marine species at risk of extinction by supporting sustainable production practices and promoting a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Michela Graziani, a physiotherapy graduate and volunteer with the La Cordillera Association, she was recognised for her strong social commitment in launching the “Fisiopeñas” project in Bolivia. Together with Bolivian volunteers, she provided medical assistance to isolated communities in the highlands, where access to healthcare is extremely limited. This experience made her rediscover the value of small privileges and the importance of dealing with each person holistically. For her commitment and dedication, she received the Young Award, becoming a spokesperson for the values of gratitude and humility that only such significant experiences can teach.