Encouraging young people to explore diverse career paths and believe in their potential is essential to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Recognising the importance of role models in shaping future ambitions, the Soroptimists of Ragusa launched the project “Meeting with Female Entrepreneurship”, an initiative designed to introduce students to inspiring women who have successfully built their own professional paths.
The project, which began in February 2026 and will continue through 2027, aims to promote women’s entrepreneurship while encouraging students to reflect on leadership, creativity and economic independence. The initiative is primarily addressed to third-year secondary school students studying Human Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, and Fashion Design, who are exploring the topic of female entrepreneurship as part of their Civic Education curriculum.
Through a series of meetings, students have the opportunity to engage directly with women entrepreneurs from a variety of professional fields. These encounters provide practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, offering students a realistic perspective on building a career with determination and innovation.
Among the speakers invited to share their experiences are Isabella Schininà, an Allianz insurance agent from Ragusa; Loredana Roccasalva, a fashion designer from Modica; Nuccia Alboni, administration and marketing manager at Melanzì; Sofia Costanzo, a young influencer from Ragusa; and Gloria Giorgianni, a film producer from Palermo and owner of Anele Srl, a company specialising in audiovisual, multimedia, television and film production.
Each entrepreneur brings her own story of perseverance, creativity and professional growth. Through open discussions and personal testimonies, the speakers share practical advice and reflections drawn from their professional journeys. Their contributions highlight the diversity of career opportunities available to women and demonstrate how passion, commitment and innovation can transform ideas into successful enterprises.
The initiative has already reached around 500 students, offering them valuable exposure to real-life professional experiences. By promoting dialogue between students and accomplished women entrepreneurs, the Soroptimists of Ragusa aim to inspire confidence, broaden perspectives and encourage young women to pursue their ambitions and consider entrepreneurship as a meaningful and attainable path.
Through initiatives such as this, the Italian Soroptimists continue to support education and economic empowerment, helping the next generation recognise that leadership and entrepreneurship are powerful tools for shaping the future.
Bintou Koïta,
Senior Programme Officer (SIE HQ)