Letter from our founder

In 1902, my great-grandmother left her small village in Calabria and moved to New York in search of a dream. My family, like thousands of others, came with little besides their memories, skills, and culture; and they opened restaurants, introducing themselves to their new neighbors through food.

The Association for the Integration of Women is dedicated to providing newcomers to Modena, and many other cities like it, the same opportunity.

Migrant women of Modena have a story to tell. And we hope to open our doors as a space to do so—to discover, to grow, and to witness Modena’s newest community members spread roots and flourish.

-Caroline Caporossi, Founder AIW

Our members

The Association for the Integration of Women is made up of women in our community who volunteer their time to help other women have the lives they wish to see. Many of our members are past graduates of our programs who we call “AIW Ambassadors.” They serve as mentors to others, and are leaders in their communities.

Founders

  • As our founder and president, Caroline leads AIW with an unshakable passion for empowering migrant women. She brings over 10 years experience working in the non-profit space, has been the recipient of awards such as the Youth Leadership and Innovation Award by UNMGCY and the Champions of Change Award by World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and has been invited to speak about migration and innovation at national and international fora.

  • Jessica is a Michelin-starred Canadian chef working in the restaurant industry since 2001. She is currently the Chef of Al Gatto Verde Restaurant in Modena. She has won multiple awards for her leadership in the industry including by Guida dell'Espresso, Best Chef Awards, Michelin, LaListe, and World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and she often speaks at conferences about themes of women in the industry, innovation, and identity.

  • Maria is an Italian lawyer and community leader. In her work she serves women, families, and the underrepresented, and outside of work is involved in multiple volunteer leadership positions in the community for social causes.