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 nothing except 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 100% volunteer-based members. Our members are employees of our social enterprise Roots, who, together with Ambassador graduates, work to grow and create innovative community programs.
Founders
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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 has been invited to speak about migration and innovation at national and international fora.
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Jessica is a Canadian chef working in the restaurant industry since 2001. She is currently the Head Chef of Casa Maria Luigia by Massimo Bottura. In 2021 she was named Woman Chef of the Year by Guida dell'Espresso, and in 2022 won the Rising Star award at Best Chef Awards.
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Maria is an Italian attorney registered with the Albo di Modena since 2009, apart from being a family mediator since 2008. She focuses mainly on the protection of women, children, and the under represented.
