This summer I worked for Italia Nostra, an Italian nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding and promoting Italy’s rich cultural, artistic, and natural heritage. The organization focuses on advocating for sustainable development and heritage conservation, while raising public awareness about the importance of protecting Italy’s unique treasures. I had the opportunity to work for the Italia Nostra Arcipelago Toscano chapter, which is actively dedicated to the Tuscan Archipelago.

Giacomo Hopf '24 and I worked on a project aimed at enhancing Italia Nostra's fundraising capabilities. Our task was to strengthen their fundraising strategy by identifying new funding sources and setting priorities for projects in the Tuscan Archipelago. To achieve this, we conducted an analysis of the existing fundraising strategy and created the first comprehensive fundraising document for Italia Nostra, both in Italian and English. In this document we presented the organization’s mission, highlighted past successes, and outlined its future project priorities. Additionally, we developed a database of potential government grants, both Italian and European, and a list of potential partners or donors. These included universities, foundations, and family enterprises that could contribute expertise, donate funds, or volunteer time to support Italia Nostra’s mission.

The project we worked on directly aligns with Italia Nostra’s mission by providing the organization with the tools to secure greater financial resources. Enhanced fundraising will enable Italia Nostra Arcipelago Toscano to act more swiftly in safeguarding endangered historical and natural sites. Furthermore, by improving its financial position, Italia Nostra could take full ownership of important heritage sites, ensuring their long-term protection and public accessibility. This project was a vital step toward strengthening the organization’s capacity to fulfill its mission of preserving Italy’s and Tuscan Archipelago’s patrimony.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to apply and enhance several key skills I’ve been developing through my MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS). Teamwork proved to be one of the most significant skills needed during my internship. I worked closely with Giacomo, as well as with Italia Nostra’s Arcipelago Toscano board members. Drawing from my MBA experience, where I have consistently worked in teams across various academic projects and extracurricular activities, I was able to collaborate effectively. These experiences taught me to navigate diverse perspectives, delegate responsibilities, and work towards a shared goal, all of which were crucial in completing the project. I also applied both my oral and written communication skills, honed through presentations and writing assignments at CBS. I engaged with stakeholders regularly, from external experts to board members, ensuring universal alignment. On the written side, Giacomo and I co-led the creation of the fundraising document, ensuring clarity and impact in showcasing Italia Nostra’s mission and goals. Lastly, managing relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders, many of whom were senior figures, required strong stakeholder management skills. My MBA experience helped me navigate these dynamics, ensuring that I understood the various stakeholders’ perspectives and expectations while moving the project forward.

One of the challenges I encountered was obtaining a number of documents and images needed to create an effective fundraising document. Without a centralized system for researching information, it took some effort to track down the necessary materials from varying archives and stakeholders. This required proactive communication and close collaboration to ensure we had access to the most relevant and accurate content. Another challenge I faced involved managing inputs and recommendations from multiple stakeholders. Balancing numerous suggestions while maintaining focus on the project’s larger goals was an ongoing matter. It required clear communication and diplomacy to ensure that everyone felt heard, while still moving forward with a coherent and effective strategy. By utilizing adaptability and problem solving skills acquired through CBS and pre-MBA work in management consulting, Giacomo and I were able to overcome these obstacles.

One of my key takeaways from this experience is a deeper appreciation for the incredible richness of Italy’s culture, art, and natural resources. Working closely with Italia Nostra allowed me to see firsthand how these treasures are not only invaluable to Italy’s identity, but also require ongoing efforts to protect and preserve. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of safeguarding Italian heritage for future generations and the economy.

I also came to further realize the crucial role the nonprofit sector plays in fostering private-public partnerships that can enrich our country. Italia Nostra’s ability to collaborate with government entities and private donors underscores the potential for nonprofits to serve as a bridge between sectors, creating synergies that lead to the successful preservation and promotion of Italian heritage. After this experience, I am even more motivated to continue serving Italy in the future. I aim to lead initiatives that create lasting value for my country, supporting Italy’s long-term growth.