Alessia Rosini – Celebrating Women

I met Alessia Rosini at Villa Fattorusso in Napoli, Italia on Sunday, July 23, 2023. We were both attending the wedding of a mutual dear friend. “Excuse me? Hello, I’m Alessia. This is Daniel.” She introduced herself and her husband. They were seated directly next to our table, overlooking the glistening Gulf of Naples under the setting summer sun in Southern Italy.

They joined our table, and we quickly realized we knew of each other but had never met in person. I couldn’t have thought of a better time to connect than that moment, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her assertiveness. Her energy was captivating, and her genuine nature was palpable.

With no further delay, let’s step into the world of Alessia Rosini—a dynamic regional events & sales manager based in London. Through seven carefully curated questions, we’ll explore her journey, insights, and experiences, each designed to illuminate, challenge, and celebrate the depth of the feminine experience.

ALESSIA ROSINI

If I were to meet you in an elevator, and you had two minutes to tell me your life story, how would you respond?

Thirteen years ago, I traveled to London to find a job that could give me a better future. As an Italian immigrant, adventure was my way and still is, as I can still go home if I need or want to. I like this feeling of freedom, and I appreciate the opportunity it presents.

I would probably start a conversation about my love for coffee and my obsession with travel! I love capturing moments of adventure, travelling, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

What is a defining moment in your life that shaped your identity as a woman, and how did it influence the way you navigate the world today?

From my first job to my career breakthroughs, each experience has shaped me into the strong and resilient woman I am today.
But the one moment that stands out the most is when I decided to break free from societal norms and pursue my passion in the world of events.

In what ways do you think society's perception of women has evolved, and what barriers or narratives do you believe still need to be tackled?

As we continue to break glass ceilings and push boundaries, it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come and what challenges still lie ahead. I believe that while there has been significant progress, there are still barriers and narratives that need to be tackled in order to achieve true gender equality. For example, senior positions in any business, financial freedom, etc.

Can you share a time when you felt underestimated or overlooked because of your gender, and how you responded to that challenge?

I felt underestimated or overlooked in many scenarios, such as workplace, school, even in my personal life. Let’s be honest, it’s not a great feeling. But it’s not about the challenge we face; it’s about how we respond to it.

I remember when I’d been promoted to a leadership position. I was excited to finally have the opportunity to prove myself and make a difference. However, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, I quickly realized that not everyone was as thrilled about my promotion as I was.

It started with subtle comments and dismissive glances during meetings.

It escalated to being excluded from important decision-making processes and having my ideas constantly shot down. It was clear that I was being underestimated and overlooked because of my gender, and it was a frustrating and demoralizing experience.

But instead of letting it get me down, I used it as fuel to drive me forward. I refused to let anyone’s biases hold me back and I made it my mission to show them that I was not only capable, but also a valuable asset to the team.

I worked harder, spoke up more confidently, and made sure my voice was heard. At the end I didn’t win and had to resign as I realised it wasn’t worth it, but I would do the exact same thing over again.

"It's not about the challenge we face; it's about how we respond to it."

Alessia Rosini

What does true empowerment meant to you, and how do you actively cultivate it in yourself and other women around you?

Empowerment, for me, is a continuous process, one that requires self-reflection, self-love, and the willingness to grow. And as for empowering other women, I believe in the power of community and support. I actively seeks out opportunities to uplift and inspire other women, whether it’s through mentorship, networking, or simply being a listening ear.

If you could speak to your younger self, what wisdom or encouragement would you share about womanhood, strength, and self-worth?

I would share the wisdom and encouragement I have gained throughout the years. I would remind my younger self that being a woman is not a limitation, but a superpower. We are capable of accomplishing anything we set our minds to.

I would also remind her that strength comes in many forms. It’s not just physical, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual. I would tell her to never be afraid to show vulnerability and ask for help when needed. It takes courage to admit when we need support, and it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

What woman - either personal or public - comes to mind when you think of a source of inspiration, and why?

As I sit here, reflecting on my journey and the strong, accomplished women who have inspired me along the way, four names immediately come to mind – my mother Maria, my aunt Raffaela, and both my grandmothers, Francesca and Filomena.

Growing up, they were the epitome of strength and resilience. All worked tirelessly to provide for their families, never once complaining or giving up. They taught me the importance of hard work and determination and showed me that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.

"Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it."

Alessia Rosini

But it wasn’t just the work ethic that inspired me. It was the unwavering kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others. [These women] always made time to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement, no matter how busy they were. And even in the face of adversity, they all remained positive and hopeful, never losing faith.

The women of my life may not be public figures or a household names, but to me, they are a true source of inspiration. And I know that I am not alone in having strong, powerful women as my role models.

Alessia, thank you so much for being a part of the Celebrating Women series! I am grateful for the opportunity to share your story and insights into the unique yet communal experience of traversing this world as a woman. May you and others continue to inspire and empower the women and girls around us to believe that “Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it.”

Linds

Los Angeles, California