Phase Two of Changed by Women: A Roadshow Around the World and Mentorship Program

These are stories of women who have overcome barriers along with prejudices, and have written the script of their future the way they wanted to. All of the stories are different; some recounted out loud on stage by the book's key figures during the two talks and three panels that characterized the evening, while others – many others – were discussed during the spontaneous networking conversations that often arise from these types of events. The official launch of the 'Changed by Women' project, held on International Women's Day, transformed the Bocconi Aula Magna and foyer into a huge echo chamber for future generations of Bocconi women. The message was this: put yourself out there, surpass your own limitations and think big.

Now that the stage lights have been turned off, the Changed by Women project – which started with the publication of a book bearing the same name that holds the stories of 99 alumnae – will continue with other initiatives advocating for women's empowerment.

"The kick-off event allowed us to share the experiences of some of Bocconi's outstanding alumnae with a very diverse audience, including in terms of age," said the Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, Antonella Carù. "It was an event that also showed the many facets of the University, but nevertheless represents merely a starting point. Another phase of the project is now beginning; one that will bring Changed by Women around the world and help support the future generations of Bocconi women in more ways than one."

Changed by Women Roadshow 

The project, in fact, is two-fold. Firstly, the book's leading ladies will bring their stories to a series of events organized by the Bocconi Alumni Community in its chapters around the world. It kicks off in Brussels on 18 March with the participation of Irene Tinagli, then continues at the end of April in San Francisco with Silvia Console Battilana, on 30 April in Washington with Francesca Daverio and Silvia Paruzzolo, in the early days of May in New York with Maria Francesca Carli and Elena Pirondini, and on 23 May in Geneva. (For more information on the dates and speakers of the events, including those not yet scheduled, please check the calendar of the Bocconi Alumni Community that can be found at this link).

Mentoring Program

Secondly, the purpose is to render the idea of representing a role model, hence the creation of a mentoring program. This program will give female Bocconi students the chance to count on advice and concrete insight regarding their future from some of the key figures of Changed by Women. Potential mentors will be able to apply for the role until 24 March.

Women Fund

Fundraising efforts will simultaneously continue to finance the Women Fund, the Bocconi University endowment dedicated to supporting the study path of female students. (Help support the fund here.) The proceeds from the book – which is not for sale but can be delivered with a gift and that tells the stories of the 99 alumnae – will go toward the fund.

"Inspire, encourage, support. Through this project," concludes Dean Carù, "we aim to interpret Bocconi's values from a female perspective."