ISABELLA CHIARI (Rome, Italy) is a Professor of Linguistics and Computational Linguistics at Sapienza University of Rome. She has authored over 70 books and journal articles, with a focus on communication, migration studies, and language education. Renowned for her expertise in corpus linguistics, multilingualism, and the interplay between language and identity, she has significantly advanced both theoretical research and practical applications in these areas. Isabella has led numerous international and EU funded projects. Fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, English, and Arabic, she combines academic skills with practical humanitarian efforts to foster cultural understanding and empower vulnerable communities. Isabella Chiari is Chief Coordinator of the Safe Changes project.
FIORENZA DERIU (Rome, Italy) Fiorenza Deriu is a sociologist and professor at Sapienza University of Rome, where she serves as the Rector’s Delegate for the Erasmus Mundus Program and for the coordination of the Erasmus+ Program 2021-2027. She is the President of the Bachelor’s Degree Program in “Statistics, Economics, and Society” and directs the second-level Master’s program in “Big Data: Statistical Methods for the Knowledge Society.” She teaches several courses in sociology and statistics and is the academic coordinator for student mobility under the Erasmus Program. Additionally, she coordinates European projects such as the Jean Monnet module “SPEAK-UP” and the Erasmus+ project “ResearchCult.” Her academic work is deeply intertwined with extensive research on topics such as gender inequalities, active aging, and social policies. As the author of numerous scientific publications, her recent studies focus on the theory of social investment, social housing policies, and violence against women. Her work combines teaching, research, and a strong commitment to European and international policies.
RAFIDA ALHAJALI (Hitchin, UK) is a psychologist with a first-class BSc and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with commendation. She has extensive experience in trauma care, mentoring, and research, particularly focused on refugees and individuals with PTSD. Fluent in Italian, Arabic, and English, Rafida has worked as a Recovery Worker Coordinator and Clinical Researcher, contributing to workshops and studies on trauma and mental health. She is passionate about cultural sensitivity and trauma-focused therapies, aiming to empower vulnerable populations through her work.
EMRE SöNMEZ (Istanbul/Pavia, Turkiye) is a dedicated professional holding Master of Science in World Politics and International Relations at the Università di Pavia. With a strong academic foundation, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and International Relations from Istanbul University, graduating with a remarkable GPA of 3.57/4.00. Emre has over eight years of experience as a civil servant at the Ministry of Justice in Turkey, working in Gaziantep and Istanbul. He is fluent in English (C1), a native Turkish speaker, and has intermediate proficiency in Italian (A2). Emre’s academic interests include inequality, globalization, neoliberalism, and migration, enriched by an international perspective gained through an exchange program at the Pedagogical University of Krakow in Poland and is cooperating with Sapienza University in multiple European projects.
ALESSIA PIERRO (Rome, Italy) Amal for Education aps Project Manager with experience in the design and monitoring of humanitarian projects, particularly in education, integration, and personal development. She holds an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action, with expertise in project cycle management, forced migration, international law, and donor procedures. Alessia has collaborated with organizations like UNDP, UNRWA, and Echo100Plus, contributing to knowledge management, emergency logistics, and field operations. She has led emergency distributions for displaced populations and supported stakeholder engagement and policy compliance, showcasing her ability to work under pressure in highly demanding contexts. Alessia’s international background spans roles in Greece, Turkiye, and Jordan, reflecting her adaptability and commitment to global humanitarian efforts.