You once grew up in an SOS Children’s Village. What does it mean to you to now serve as the chair of the International Board of a global federation supporting children and young people without or at risk of losing parental care?
It’s difficult to put into words the depth of emotion I feel stepping into this role, because for me, this is not just leadership – it is life coming full circle. I grew up in the SOS Children’s Village of Ostuni, in southern Italy. It was there that I experienced safety, care and the opportunity to dream – opportunities that every child deserves but not every child receives.
To now lead the global federation that gave me a foundation and a future is both a profound honour and an extraordinary responsibility. I carry with me not only my professional experience but also my lived experience. I know what it means to be a child who needs protection, support and a sense of belonging. That knowledge shapes every decision I make and every conversation I have.
My story is one of thousands that show the power of SOS Children’s Villages to change lives. And I want every child we serve – every young person at the edge of hope – to know that they are seen, valued and not alone. That’s what this role means to me: a chance to give back, to lead boldly and to ensure that the mission that changed my life continues to change many more.
I know what it means to be a child who needs protection, support and a sense of belonging.
That knowledge shapes every decision I make and every conversation I have.
As a child, what did it mean to you to be part of an SOS Children’s Villages care environment? How did it shape your sense of belonging and possibility?
Being part of an SOS family as a child meant everything to me. It meant having a home where I felt safe, seen and valued. It meant having an SOS mother who offered not just care, but unwavering love and presence. It meant growing up with siblings – other children like me – who became my lifelong family.
In a world where so many children face abandonment, fear or instability, the SOS family gave me a powerful gift: a sense of belonging. I was not just surviving; I was part of something bigger, something that made me feel rooted, accepted and supported. That environment gave me the confidence to dream and the courage to believe that my future could be different.
It also shaped my understanding of responsibility. I grew up knowing that others had believed in me, invested in me and walked alongside me. That’s why I’ve spent my life working for children: because I know what’s possible when we give them the chance to thrive. The SOS family didn’t just give me a childhood – it gave me purpose.
If you had to describe your childhood in three words, what would they be and why?
Resilience. Love. Hope.
Resilience, because, like many children in SOS Children’s Villages, my early life came with challenges. But I learned how to adapt, to grow and to believe in myself, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear.
Love, because the SOS family gave me more than just shelter – it gave me genuine care, emotional safety and people who were truly there for me. That love became my anchor.
Hope, because despite uncertainty, I always felt that tomorrow could be better. SOS Children’s Villages planted in me the belief that my life had value and that I could build something meaningful.
Those three words didn’t just define my childhood; they became the foundation for everything I’ve done since. They’re also what I want every child in our care to experience, no matter where they come from.
Can you share a memory from your life in the village that still lives vividly in your heart – perhaps a person, a gesture or a turning point?
Three words that still live vividly in my heart are: connection, guidance and recognition.
Connection, because what I remember most fondly is the deep bond I shared with my beloved SOS brother, Nicky. We shared a room, a childhood and a sense of always being there for one another. I never felt alone. That connection remains strong to this day, and it taught me the power of family – not defined by blood, but by love and presence.
Guidance, because one person has been a guiding light in my life: Dr. Corrado Giancarlo. A dear friend of SOS CV, he entered my life when I was 12 years old and filled the painful void of an absent father. Over the years, he opened his home and his heart to me, offering unconditional support, wisdom, and care. Today, I call him Babbo – father. He is my anchor, my rock, and his belief in me gave me the faith to chart paths I never thought possible.
Recognition, because of a moment that changed my life forever. I was around eight or nine years old when the president of SOS International, then meeting with a group of very important guests, noticed me standing nearby. Instead of ignoring me, he walked away from the meeting to come greet and speak with me. That simple act of kindness – of seeing and valuing a curious little boy – made me feel important for the very first time. It shaped my sense of self-worth, and we became friends for life.
These three moments and people gave me more than just memories; they gave me meaning, belonging and the belief that I mattered. That is the magic of SOS Children’s Villages. And that is the legacy I carry with me in my work today.
What values or lessons from your upbringing continue to shape your leadership style and personal decisions today?
Growing up, I was instilled with four fundamental values that have guided every step of my personal and professional life: honesty, integrity, respect and perseverance.
I was taught that honesty begins with being true to yourself; only then can you be honest with others. Integrity meant doing what is right, even when no one is watching. Respect was non-negotiable: treat everyone with dignity, no matter their background or status. And perhaps most importantly, I was taught to never give up – to keep going, even when the path is uncertain, and to believe in the power of dreams.
These values are not just principles I carry – they are the foundation of my leadership. They remind me to lead with humility, to listen deeply, to act with transparency and to stay resilient in the face of challenge. As board chair of SOS Children’s Villages International, I see these same values reflected in the hearts of children and co-workers around the world. And I’m committed to honoring them in every decision I make.
Do you remain connected with your peers or the caregivers who accompanied you in childhood? What do those bonds mean to you now?
Yes, I remain deeply connected, especially with my SOS brother Nicky and many others who were part of my SOS CV life. Those bonds are unbreakable. They are more than memories; they are part of who I am.
SOS CV is not just a chapter of my childhood. It is my life, my family and the constant inspiration behind everything I do. It reminds me every day of how fortunate I am, and that life must be both lived with purpose and celebrated with gratitude.
The people who accompanied me – siblings, caregivers, mentors – are a living testament to the goodness that exists in this world. Their love and support gave me a foundation, and that foundation continues to sustain me today.
As a result of my SOS CV experience, I am naturally a very positive and optimistic person. I see possibility even in difficulty. I have a great deal of trust in people, because I have witnessed how compassion and care can transform a life.
These relationships are a daily reminder that we never walk alone and that when we invest in the life of a child, we plant the seeds of strength, compassion and hope that last a lifetime.
When we invest in the life of a child, we plant the seeds of strength, compassion and hope that last a lifetime.
At what point in life did you realize your story could inspire others, or carried a message bigger than yourself?
The day I graduated from college was a turning point. It was then that I truly realized my story could be a source of inspiration for others who, like me, came from difficult beginnings. I wanted others to see that if you believe in yourself – and if even one person gives you an opportunity – you can transform your life.
When I first expressed my desire to attend college, many people in the community reacted with disbelief. I was told that someone like me wasn’t “college material.” But thankfully, many of my SOS friends believed in me and fought to make it happen. Their faith gave me the strength to push forward. I graduated, and the rest, as they say, is water under the bridge.
Another powerful moment came when I became a professor. That role gave me not only credibility, but a platform, a voice that could make a real difference. It was a deeply affirming experience.
Every milestone I’ve reached in life, I’ve done so not just for myself, but to inspire others to dream, to rise and to know that their past does not define their future. That is the message I carry and the mission that drives me every single day.
How did your experience growing up in SOS Children’s Villages influence the paths you chose in life - particularly your sense of purpose and career?
It’s truly incredible how deeply growing up in the SOS family inspired me. SOS Children’s Villages gave me something unique: an upbringing rich in diversity, exposure and human connection. You’re surrounded by people from all walks of life, and that experience is unlike anything I believe most children in a traditional family setting encounter.
Let me explain how that shaped me. One of my sponsors, Delfina Amprino, was the wife of the renowned medical professor Rodolfo Amprino. Delfina was one of the kindest, most graceful people I’ve ever known. She often invited me to her home, where I had the rare privilege of sharing meals with visiting professors from the US and other countries. These conversations, often about science, education and how knowledge can improve human lives, fascinated me.
I remember thinking, “This is what I want to do. I want to be like them – a professor who can change the world through knowledge.” When I shared this dream with Delfina, she smiled and simply said, “If that’s what you want, just make sure you do well in school.”
I took her words to heart. I graduated from high school with honors and made a promise to myself: I would go to college, no matter the cost. And I did. That dream, planted in the heart of a young boy by the kindness of a sponsor, guided my path.
Growing up in SOS CV shaped not only my career choices but my entire sense of purpose. It taught me that our dreams are valid, that inspiration can come from unexpected places, and that with the right encouragement, we can break through any barrier. And now, as both a professor and a leader, I carry that lesson forward – to open doors for others, just as they were once opened for me.
What challenges did you encounter along the way and how did you navigate them? Who believed in you?
I faced, like everybody else, a lot of challenges, but the biggest challenge I faced growing up was the struggle to fit in. Coming from a different background, I often felt misunderstood and unseen: people didn’t fully grasp my experience, and as a result, I felt invisible and excluded.
I knew I had to work twice as hard to establish and affirm myself. I had to learn how to cope with challenges, adapt and build resilience. Ironically, what once felt like a disadvantage – the constant effort to fit in – became one of my greatest strengths. It shaped who I am today.
Along the way, I made a promise to myself: I would never treat others the way many treated me growing up. That commitment continues to guide how I connect with and support others.
Ironically, what once felt like a disadvantage – the constant effort to fit in – became one of my greatest strengths.
It shaped who I am today.
In what ways did SOS CV support not only your emotional security but also your ability to develop to your full potential – intellectually, socially and professionally?
To succeed, you first have to believe in yourself, and SOS CV gave me the confidence to do just that. Growing up in an SOS CV home, I was surrounded by people who believed in me, even when I didn’t yet believe in myself. That belief became the foundation of everything I have accomplished.
There were moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of my future. But at SOS CV, I found emotional security, encouragement and role models who showed me what was possible. Their guidance gave me hope, motivation and the courage to dream bigger.
SOS CV didn’t just provide me with a home; it gave me the chance to grow intellectually, socially and professionally. It gave me the tools to build a life with purpose and to one day give back.
My story is a living example that everything is possible. I carry this message with me for every child out there who may feel like their dreams are out of reach: you are not alone, and with the right support, you can become anything you set your heart on.
When did you first become aware that SOS Children’s Villages was a global movement bigger than your own family or village?
I became aware that SOS CV was an international movement at a very early age. Every summer, from the time I was five until I became an adult, I attended the SOS summer camp in Caldonazzo, Italy. There, I met children from SOS Children’s Villages all over Europe. It was amazing to be surrounded by kids who spoke different languages and came from different cultures, yet we all shared something in common: SOS Children’s Villages.
Caldonazzo was more than just a summer camp; it was a miniature version of the world. We had our own versions of the World Cup and the Olympics, where villagers would compete in the spirit of fun, friendship and solidarity. Looking back now, I can say that Caldonazzo had one of the biggest impacts on my life. It was there that I truly learned the power of community and what solidarity can do, not only for your personal growth but also for your social and professional life.
Being immersed in that kind of diversity made me a stronger, more open-minded person. SOS CV didn’t just give me a home – it gave me the feeling that I belonged to something much bigger than myself. It made me feel like a citizen of the world.
And that, I think, is one of the most extraordinary things about SOS CV: it shows every child that they are part of a global family.
Were there leaders, educators or caregivers who left a mark on you? How do you want to honour their legacy in your current role?
Any former SOS CV programme participant from my generation will tell you that Tante Imma* was perhaps the most beloved and iconic figure in the SOS CV community. Though she was born a baroness, she gave it all up to dedicate her life to serving children in need. She traveled the world to help establish new SOS Children’s Villages and played a vital role in shaping the movement in its early years.
Tante Imma came to the SOS Children’s Village in Ostuni, Italy, in the first few years after it opened in 1969, helping to lay its foundation. She also ran the SOS summer camp in Caldonazzo, where children from across Europe would gather each year. Everyone knew her, and everyone loved her.
I had the privilege of building a lifelong relationship with her. She passed away in her mid-90s, and her loss was deeply felt by the entire SOS CV community. She was a tiny woman from Austria with a giant heart and an unstoppable energy. She taught me never to give up on what you believe in and to always give your best to make your dreams a reality.
In my new role, I will do my best to honor her legacy by giving everything I have to the children we serve. I know she would be proud of me, and I carry her spirit with me in everything I do.
Tante Imma embodied the true spirit of those who fully embrace the core values of SOS Children’s Villages. She represented both the people on the front lines and those working tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen. I will honor her legacy by reminding myself every day that leadership matters and that our decisions directly impact the very people who make SOS Children’s Villages such a remarkable organization.
I understand you are now a foster parent. What is it like to be on the other side, to offer the kind of care you once received?
It feels incredible! It’s a true privilege to give back, knowing that what you’re offering can have a transformative impact on children and their families.
These days, foster care often means welcoming not just a child but an entire family dynamic – it’s a package deal. My wife and I fostered two beautiful girls, part of a sibling group of five. While we couldn’t take in all five children, we knew how important it was to keep their bond intact. So, we made a commitment to ensure the two girls stay in close contact with their three siblings, who were placed in other foster homes.
Equally important to me was helping the girls maintain their sense of identity. That’s why we’ve also involved their biological mother in their lives with us. It’s not always easy, but it’s the right thing to do – for them, for their family and for their future.
Becoming a foster parent isn’t just about helping a child. It’s also about supporting and strengthening their biological families. While you provide a loving and stable home, you’re helping create the conditions for healing, growth and hope. It allows children to grow up without fear, knowing they are safe and cared for.
You quickly realize that it’s not about you; it’s about them. They teach you humility, empathy and what it truly means to give. Being a foster parent is a selfless act, one that finds joy simply in knowing that a child feels secure, loved and happy. That is the greatest reward.
Today, those two girls are adults with families of their own, and we remain very much involved in their lives. It’s been an incredible journey watching them grow, thrive and create their own paths.
We’re now caring for two boys, who are very different from girls but just as delightful. They bring their own energy, challenges and joy into our lives. Each child is unique, and each experience reminds me why this work matters so deeply.
What do you feel when you look into the eyes of a child in your care and see reflections of your younger self?
I feel a deep sense of joy and hope. In those moments, I see not just who they are now but who they can become. I recognize the same fears, questions and dreams I once had, and it fills me with reassurance knowing that, with love and support, they will be okay.
It’s powerful to realize that the care I once received I am now able to give. And in doing so, I’m helping them unlock their full potential – just as SOS family did for me.
It’s powerful to realize that the care I once received I am now able to give.
How does your childhood influence your parenting today and what, if anything, do you intentionally do differently?
My childhood influences my parenting in every possible way. Knowing what it meant to have someone there – to love you, care for you and stand by you while you’re dealing with personal trauma – gave me a deep understanding of how powerful that support can be. It reassures a child that their life has meaning and purpose and, most importantly, that they have a place in this world. That, no matter the circumstances, they are not alone.
As a parent, I see it as my responsibility to offer that same unwavering presence. For me, parenting means creating a bond for life – a bond that must never be taken for granted.
One thing I intentionally do differently is to be more inclusive of a child’s full story. I make an effort to recognize their past and include their family, culture and identity in their healing journey. I know firsthand how much that matters.
Returning to your new role as chair of the International Board: how do you view your responsibilities, particularly in light of the latest governance changes, the leadership transition, the restructuring of the secretariat of the federation, and the potential of SOS CV as a global movement?
Stepping into this role is both an honour and a profound responsibility, especially at such a critical moment in the life of our federation.
With the recent governance reforms, leadership transition, and restructuring of the secretariat, we are entering a new chapter. One that must be marked by clarity of purpose, strategic focus and above all unity. My role as board chair is to help guide this transition with integrity, transparency and compassion, anchored in the values that SOS Children’s Villages has always stood for.
Having grown up in an SOS Children’s Village, I bring a lived perspective to this role. I understand the power of what we do, not just as an organization but as a global movement. That experience keeps me grounded and committed to ensuring that every decision we make at the board level ultimately strengthens the support we provide to children and families.
We are not just managing a transition; we are redefining how SOS CV will lead in the future – globally, locally and sustainably. My focus is on building trust, aligning our strategic priorities and creating the conditions for strong, inclusive leadership at every level of the federation.
This moment is full of potential. And I believe that, if we stay true to our mission and work together, we will emerge stronger, more united and more capable of fulfilling our promise to children around the world.
Looking ahead, what key changes or evolution would you like to see in the federation? What message would you like to convey to the staff around the world, both working directly on the field, in their national member associations, and those working in the GSC?
Looking ahead, I want to see a federation that is more unified in vision, more accountable in its actions and more courageous in its decisions. We must become an organization that listens deeply – to children, families, staff and partners – and adapts with integrity and purpose.
Our greatest strength lies in our people. Whether you’re working directly with children and families in the field, supporting programs in a national association, or shaping policy and strategy in the secretariat, your work matters deeply. You are part of a global movement that changes lives every single day.
My message to all staff is simple: thank you for all you do to make SOS CV work matter. Your dedication, compassion, and resilience are what make SOS Children’s Villages what it is. As chair, I see it as my responsibility to ensure you are heard, supported and empowered to do your best work. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive and more impactful SOS CV – one that every child, everywhere, can count on.
I want to see a federation that is more unified in vision, more accountable in its actions and more courageous in its decisions.
What do you want today’s SOS-CV-supported children and young people to feel as they grow up in our programmes?
I want every child and young person growing up in an SOS CV programme to feel seen, valued and unconditionally supported. I want them to know in their hearts that they are not alone - that they belong to a global family that believes in them.
I want them to feel safe enough to dream, strong enough to grow and confident enough to shape their own future. Even in the face of adversity, I want them to carry the unshakable belief that their lives have purpose, that they are capable and that they matter.
Most of all, I want them to feel what I once felt: that SOS CV is not just a place to live but a place where your story begins and where you are loved enough to imagine a life full of possibility.
If you could speak to the little boy you once were what would you say to him now from where you stand today?
I would take his hand, look him in the eyes and say:
"You’re going to be okay. I know you’re scared, and I know you lie awake at night wondering if you’ll ever have a place in this world – if you’ll have a home or be strong enough to make it on your own. But trust me, you won’t be alone. There will be people who believe in you, who lift you up and who show you that love can be constant.
One day, everything you’re worried about will become part of a story that inspires others. One day, you’ll sit at the table not just as someone who was helped, but as someone who helps shape the future for children just like you.
So don’t give up. Keep dreaming, even when it feels impossible. If you believe in yourself, someone will be with you every step of the way. You are stronger than you think, and your life will have meaning – more than you can imagine."
* Tante is German for "aunt."