Francesca Sangiovanni
Joined Meer in October 2021
Find out more about Francesca Sangiovanni in
Francesca Sangiovanni

Francesca was born and raised in what she considers one of the most beautiful places on earth: southern Italy, or, more specifically, the Cilento region. Growing up between sea, mountains, and centuries-old traditions, she developed an early sensitivity to landscapes, stories, and the cultural ties that bind people to their territories. Given her passion for languages and her strong desire to explore the world, she chose to attend a language-focused high school, where she studied English, Spanish, and French. This formative period deepened her appreciation for literacy, communication, and cultural diversity—interests that accompanied her long after graduation.

After finishing school, her thirst for change and adventure grew, motivating her to leave her homeland and embark on a new educational journey in Germany. There, after learning German and working for an international company, she began her university studies in social sciences and intercultural relations. During these years in a highly international academic environment, Francesca learned not only about her fields of study but also about life, community, and herself. An important turning point came when she completed an internship with Turkey’s oldest and most prominent human rights organization—an experience that shaped her personally, politically, and intellectually. It was exactly during this time that she gained clarity about her aspirations.

Now pursuing a master’s degree in human rights studies in politics, law, and society, Francesca has come to understand that her ideal path revolves around environmental justice, Indigenous knowledge systems, and Indigenous women’s rights. More specifically, her interest lies in the criminalization of Indigenous women who resist extractive practices and forms of "green" colonialism in La Guajira, Colombia. Through multiple research projects, academic publications, and travels to Latin America and other parts of the world, Francesca hopes to grow into an academic researcher and writer dedicated to this complex and crucial field.

A philanthropist at heart, Francesca is very active both politically and socially. In 2020, she co-founded the non-governmental association Longobardia Minorae, which aims to promote the Cilento region and its culinary and cultural heritage. Her role involves designing sustainable tourist routes in cooperation with local producers and Slow Food–aligned businesses, offering visitors an authentic and environmentally conscious way of experiencing the Cilento.

At university, Francesca is highly engaged as president of the student council and as an elected member of both the faculty council and the student committee. Being international herself and aware of the challenges that foreign students face, she has committed herself to supporting them academically, administratively, and personally. In both 2024 and 2025, Francesca travelled to New York City to participate as an official delegate in the National Model United Nations. This experience offered her valuable insights into diplomacy, negotiation processes, and the complexities of global governance—strengthening her desire to work at the intersection of research, advocacy, and international cooperation.

Aside from languages, Francesca has a very strong passion for politics, art, and travel. Whenever she has the chance, she packs her bags and sets off to explore new places, people, and cultures. She loves visiting museums, losing herself among works of art, discovering hidden corners of cities, and spending quiet afternoons in small cafés reading or writing reflections. Deeply connected to the sea, she draws energy and inspiration from it and devotes her free time to her friends, cooking, reading, and watching films or documentaries—especially those offering decolonial or non-Eurocentric perspectives. She also values dedicating time each day to meditation and writing, whether as personal reflections or as informative pieces she shares on this platform.

When describing her character, Francesca is curious, empathetic, talkative, and deeply fascinated by the diverse personalities she encounters—whether by chance or fate. She loves engaging in conversations about philosophy, politics, and history, and she particularly appreciates constructive, meaningful dialogue. She avoids small talk and gossip, considering them unproductive, and is instead drawn to depth, sincerity, and the search for understanding. Intrigued by all that cannot be definitively explained, she feels a natural attraction to spirituality and mysticism. And there is no day on which she does not listen to music, write, or drift—even briefly—into her own inner world.

Articles by Francesca Sangiovanni

Subscribe
Get updates on the Meer