Yesterday, the Embassy of Italy in Washington hosted Meet Your Woman In Science, a mentoring event celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science promoted by the United Nations.
“When the Embassy launched the Week of Women and Girls in Science two years ago, our goal was to raise awareness and advocate for more equitable access for women in science, helping to reduce the still significant gender disparities in this field,” commented the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, on the sidelines of the event. “Today, we have brought together young women—emerging talents in the scientific field—to connect them with established women scientists who can mentor and guide the next generation.”
During the event, participants had the opportunity to engage with high-level Italian and American scientists working in the United States, receiving advice and sharing experiences through brief speed mentoring sessions. The mentors, representing diverse scientific fields—from medicine to space exploration to quantum technologies—also highlighted the various career opportunities that science offers. Many came from academia and research institutions (George Washington University and Catholic University), federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and the private sector.
Among the distinguished scientists present was Anna Grassellino, Director of the National Quantum Information Science SQMS Center at Fermilab in Chicago. Ambassador Zappia presented her with the honor of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI) in recognition of her significant contributions to scientific research and the advancement of quantum technologies on an international scale. Grassellino serves as a true ambassador of Italian ingenuity worldwide and an inspiration for young women aspiring to STEM careers.
The initiative, which was met with great enthusiasm by participants, reaffirms the Italian Embassy’s commitment to promoting scientific diplomacy and gender equality. It is part of the broader Week of Women in Science project, launched by the Embassy in 2023 in collaboration with the French and German Embassies and several American partners, to organize a series of events celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The third annual Week of Women in Science concluded with the Meet Your Woman In Science event hosted by the Italian Embassy.
