On October 13, 2025, the event “Women for Mobility – The Sustainable Mobility as Opportunity” was held at the Dini Auditorium of the School of Engineering at the University of Pisa. The initiative was promoted as part of the CO-SMART project of the National Center for Sustainable Mobility MOST, with the involvement of Spoke 11 – Innovative Materials and Lightweighting.
An intense, engaging, and inspiring morning brought together eight accomplished professionals from the automotive and mobility sectors and four university researchers on stage to share experiences, life journeys, and research outcomes in the field of sustainable mobility.
Following the institutional welcome by Professor Elisa Giuliani, Vice Rector for Sustainability and the 2030 Agenda at the University of Pisa, and the presentation of the CO-SMART project by Professor Maurizia Seggiani, a series of speeches of great human and professional value took place.
Among the speakers were: Silvia Avataneo (CRF-Stellantis), Serena Donati and Chiara Barontini (Dallara), Sara Cabitza (VCARB F1 Team), Angela Serra and Monica Ciolli (Baker Hughes), Anna Contenti and Nyree Grifeo from WiMIT – Women in Mobility Italian Team, Simona Sabbatini (Marche Polytechnic University), Ester D’Accardi (Polytechnic University of Bari), and Laura Mazzocchetti (University of Bologna).
The event also saw the participation of students from the “Leonardo da Vinci” Technical Institute in Pisa, accompanied by Professor Chandra Sortino, as well as first-year Mechanical Engineering students and several PhD candidates in attendance.
In the dialogue between professionals, researchers, and young students, a strong and shared message emerged: “Follow your passions and your talents, wherever they may lead you.
A reflection that resonated throughout the entire morning, reminding everyone that passion is the driving force that enables us to face challenges, overcome bias, and turn difficulties into opportunities for growth.
The testimonies highlighted the need for a more balanced and conscious presence of women in scientific and technological fields, where the female contribution is essential to building a sustainable, smart, and inclusive mobility—one that combines innovation, environmental responsibility, and care for people.
A special thanks goes to all the speakers and participants who made this day of dialogue, inspiration, and awareness possible, helping to strengthen the message that the mobility of the future will only be sustainable if it is also fair and inclusive.
