Waiting for the new edition of the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2019 to be held on March 8 in the spaces of Dialogue Place, we asked Sara Cimmino of the International Napoli Network (INN) to tell us about her experience, as an Italian semi-finalist, at the Impact2 2018 in Paris. INN is an assistance cooperative whose main objective is to integrate the local network of NGOs, associations and social enterprises with a growing international network of volunteers.
The most rewarding part of Impact2 was knowing eight women from different states, with completely different backgrounds, but who all had the same thing in common: the choice to change things, to positively impact their community and beyond, since they were all international startups.
It is frustrating to live in a country like ours that sees women a bit marginalized and penalized. Breathing that strength, that courage, that determination to DO WELL, which in my opinion are all innate characteristics in women, has filled me with optimism.
At the first pitch I made there were many women, many journalists present and their interest in the International Napoli Network was exciting. The second pitch was attended by over a thousand people, including many French authorities.
When I got off the stage, dozens of people approached me to find out more about the international volunteering programs of INN and for me and my members it was a confirmation of the success of our company. Paris and the city hall were also a perfect setting.
I am happy that it is Naples that hosts the selection for Italy. Thanks to the Project Ahead team for the genuine support and dedication they put into this project!