Page 10 - Comites Progetto Donna

PROGETTO DONNA 2025: NOMINEES
We proudly present a brief biography, extracted from their nomination application, of all the women nominated for the 2025 Progetto Donna Awards, divided by categories.
Each woman has inspired a nomination for her outstanding contribution to our community. We honour them and thank them for their work
VISIONE: CREATIVITY
The Nominees in the Visione: Creativity Award are:
Dr. Angelina Russo graduated in Interior Designer in 1989 and worked internationally, exploring how Italian innovation fuses artisanship and technology. She contributed to ageing-well research, notably trialling the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Integrated Assessment tool, central to aged care reforms. Now Policy Reforms Manager at Bene Aged Care, she also pioneers sustainable fashion through knitwear labels Culture Cycle (2011) and Fleurieu Made (2022). Through her workshops, exhibitions, and upcoming podcast, she promotes intergenerational knowledge, circular economy principles, and Italian design sensibility.
Carla Anita Mattiazzo is a classically trained performer and passionate advocate for marginalised communities. A graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, with further study in Philadelphia and New York, she has been a driving force in Australian cabaret since 2010. Her award-winning, nationally touring shows fuse artistry with social impact—tackling period poverty in Period, domestic violence in That’s NOT Amore, and championing rescue animal welfare in her upcoming Dogs.
Claudia Callisto is a changemaker in media and storytelling, celebrated for her authenticity, cultural leadership, and community-building. Her Amazon bestselling memoir The Good Italian Girl inspired a one-woman Fringe cabaret show and her award-winning podcast The Good Italian Girl and Friends, amplifying first-generation Italian-Australian voices. Claudia also curated the Migration Museum’s Glory Box exhibition, showcasing heirlooms and stories of second-generation women. Her work resonates broadly, exploring cultural identity, female empowerment, and belonging while championing underrepresented voices with creativity and compassion.
Claudia Dichiera is a creative journalist at Solstice Media, using storytelling to amplify voices often overlooked. Her work includes a personal feature on Italian migrants’ influence on Adelaide’s food culture, inspired by her Zia Fulvia, and the award-nominated series The Fall of Adelaide’s Hospitality Industry. Beyond writing, Claudia embraces photography and public speaking—twice presenting the Inspiring Female Leaders Award—showcasing her creativity across journalism, storytelling, and visual media to make meaningful impact.