Meet Nicole Bonamici | Digital Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Bonamici and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”. This quotation reflects three fundamental values ​​on which I base my existence: resilience, determination and ambition.

My name is Nicole, I am 24 years old and I want to change the world!
Inside each of us there is that something that makes us fly high, reach distant objectives and realize impossible dreams.

I believe that if anyone has a goal in mind, there is nothing in this world he/she would not do to achieve it.

So, if you put all your effort, finally you’ll be gratified.

My dream is to learn from people’s experience and give people back mine; join projects that not only add value but especially create value from scratch thanks to technologies that can make our planet a better place to live in.

I strongly believe that we have to eenew the school system and educational processes, investing in generational turnover with the dual aim of maximizing the balance between innovation and digitization and making young people the protagonists of this progress.

I cannot wait to do all my best.

I want to lead the change, whatever it takes! I would love to be in front line.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a traveler: I have always been attracted by the unknown and the uncertainty, moving out from my comfort zone in order to become a citizen of the world. I have lived in many countries, becoming openminded and easy going, understanding how is difficult to interact with people, especially when getting in touch with different cultures. The first time I have been abroad I was 6 years old; my strongest experience happened in 2014, when I lived for three months in Dublin hosted by an Irish family to study English. During my permanence I increased my English up to a more advanced level, I became more independent.
My father, before he died almost 5 years ago, invited me to enrol in an economic university. He was a great entrepreneur and I guess my strong passion for doing business comes from him. I graduated with high results, showing everyone who did not believe in me, that, if anyone has a goal in mind, there is nothing in this world he/ she would not do to achieve it.

After bachelor’s graduation I decided to move to North Spain where I was hosted by a local Spanish family to study Spanish and work. I trained to be prepared to do “el Camino De Santiago de Compostela” all by myself. Along the way I have learnt to face and solve problems, keeping a cool head; I have learnt to appreciate the little things, while concentrating on the big scenario; I have learnt to be humble with people, trusting them, listening their advices and asking for a help; but most of all I have learnt to believe in my strength.

I decided to move to Milan to enrol in Innovation and Technology Management MSc, because I am passionate about the digital transformation that is shaping our future.

I decided to move to Silicon Valley where the American dream has begun. I had the honour to study at Stanford University where I lead a multinational team of 7 students during the Technology Entrepreneurship course and together we explored business opportunities related to my startup idea about circular and green economy. Here is my takeaway: if a path seems tough, wrong and risky, it is exactly the one to be followed, even though it makes no sense, because somehow in the future it will turn to be the right one.

During the pandemic I returned home in Perugia and I launched the first TEDx event in my city becoming the licensee and lead organizer. I hired 40 young people who has been working with me for almost two years by now. Together we have created an association called Mellon a.p.s. and we have started to work with companies, institutions and universities all around Umbria region. As the President of the association I enhance my team and community to do the best to give young people opportunities and provide them help while running business ideas.

After master’s graduation I joined IBM as a Tech and Data consultant working with a big automotive & transportation player. I have learnt how to be humble within a MNE and how to exploit a huge network. Now I would like is to work closely to the people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would like to take them to Umbria Region, in the true green heart of Italy, both geographically and spiritually, the region is not touched by the sea, and the territory is for one-third mountains and for the rest hills covered with olive trees and vineyards, and acknowledgedly among the most beautiful historical landscapes in Italy. Underrated and underexplored, the secret is slowly getting out about this region of medieval citadels, rolling valleys and great Italian wine and cuisine.

The quality of life and the food traditions make the area a wonderful spot to enjoy a 7 days journey.

Day 1 (Perugia): Here, you can expect to explore a number of historical attractions, from the underground Pozzo Etrusco to the Cappella di San Severo, where you can see Renaissance artist Raphael and his teacher, Pietro Vannucci’s artwork.

Have lunch at Testone, typical food of the city. Have dinner at Osteria a Priori or da Cesarino restaurant.

Of course, a trip to Perugia wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Perugina chocolate factory. Established in 1922, the chocolatier has won over the hearts of Italian’s thanks to its dark bittersweet taste. A wander around around the chocolate factory dedicated to expressing feelings through “love notes” is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with a loved one, so buy a couple and share them with your nearest and dearest.

Day 2 (Orvieto – Civita di Bagnoregio): The façade of Orvieto’s cathedral is one of the first things that you should consider viewing when you enter the lively hill town of Orvieto. The small town not only is rich in history and culture but offers some of the best wines in Italy.

If you’ve abstained from a wine tour up, it is in Orvieto that you should divulge and allow yourself the luxury of sampling some of the marvellous white wines that come out of the region. Dry, but also slightly sweet, find yourself sipping away at the Decugnano dei Barbi or stopping off for lunch at the Bartolomei L’oio Orvieto.

Day 3 (Foligno–Montefalco-Spello): To get down into the heart of the city, follow the path of the Topino River, as Foligno is one of the only cities to be built on the plains. The cathedral dedicated to San Feliciano is a must-see piece of architecture on your walk around the city, as well as the Palazzo Trinci, which was the former residence of the Trinci family who ruled over the city form 1305 to 1439. Once you’re done taking in the sights, grab a bite to eat at Villa Roncalli, where the menu’s highlights include polenta and deep fried artichoke, and the service is unrivalled.

With its ruined castle and small piazza high above the Vale of Spoleto, the warm-pink towers and homes of Spello are visible for miles. The town makes an essential half day for art-lovers (just 9 miles south of Assisi). The church of Santa Maria Maggiore contains an enigmatic Madonna and Child and a Pietà by Perugino, as well as the spectacular Cappella Baglioni, frescoed by Pinturicchio.
Wine lovers should make for this enticing hill town, set amidst wine trellises and olive groves. Wander the enchanting streets and sample the delicious local vino, Sagrantino di Montefalco, made with 100 percent local Sagrantino grapes.

Day 4 (Spoleto – Trevi):T he towering fortress of Spoleto Cathedral positioned at the foothill of the Apennines welcomes you into day four of your holiday. Surrounded by olive groves and winding hills, the special city also hots a famous summer arts festival each year, although it is the perfect destination to visit year-round.

Although you can explore inside the city walls, experiencing the neighbouring area by foot can provide you with some breathtaking sights. With a multitude of different walks and hikes available for you to pick and choose from online, admire the marvellous valley of Spoleto and the colourful expanse of land. If you’re after a shorter walk, however, meander through the woods at Monteluco via the Ponte delle Torri, a 236m long and 90m high walkway.

Day 5 (Gubbio): Gubbio is the classical Umbrian hill town, a magical, medieval city of sharp-edged fortress-like buildings, stacked at the base of a monumental forest-smothered mountain. Gubbio’s main square is Piazza Grande, open on the south side to a panoramic sweep over the lower part of town and the valley beyond. It’s a city to simply explore, soaking up the atmosphere, though the museum inside the imposing Palazzo dei Consoli contains one major treasure; the seven Eugubine Tables, the only existing record of the Umbri language transposed in Etruscan and Latin letters (ancient Umbria’s Rosetta Stone.) The tablets were inscribed on bronze from 200 to 70 BC.

Day 6 (Assisi): The birthplace of Saint Francis and the Order of Franciscan Monks that was established in 1208, Assisi also had links to several other religious orders until as recent as the 19th century.

Take a stroll around the Piazza del Comune before grabbing a cup of coffee at one of the many open-air restaurants. The importance of coffee in Italian culture is undoubtedly massive, so if you feel daunted by the prospect of ordering a cup on your trip. The pedestrian-only area is one of the best preserved medieval squares in Italy, and its relaxing nature is what makes the locals return to socialise with friends regularly.

After an enjoyable morning at the Piazza, take a trip to the Basilica di San Francesco. Arguably one of the most exquisite pieces of architecture in the town, the Basilica towers over the rest of the landscape, as one of the focal points of Assisi. Built in honour of St. Francis, people flock to the church due to its intense spiritual connection, as well as to marvel at the extraordinary artistic ability of Giotto artist that it took to create the landmark.

Day 7 (back to Perugia and Lake Trasimeno): For a change of pace, make for the sleepy resorts along the shores of Lago Trasimeno, Italy’s fourth largest lake. Castiglione del Lago is a handsome medieval town, perched high above the water, with lots of tipico shops, a small fortress and a hands-on museum documenting the history of the lake. From here (or the lively shore town of Passignano), you can take ferries to some of the tranquil lake islands. Isola Maggiore is known for its lace handicrafts and St Francis connections, while Isola Polvese is an environmental education center and nature reserve.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All the great things we have done and we are about to realize belong to the young generation, every young person who wants to be part of the change should be recognize. We have created a no-profit association called Mellon a.p.s. that embrace all those values that regard education, environment and society.

Website: http://www.gomellon.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/go_mellon?utm_medium=copy_link

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gomellon

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gotomellon/

Image Credits
Angela Prati Riccardo Gregori Leonardo Corgna Giacomo Rampagni