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Who We Are

The Club was established in 1967 by a handful of visionary women (American, British and Italian) who saw the need to help English speaking newcomers to Milan settle into their new home. It remains a self-governing, nonprofit, apolitical, non-commercial organization that depends on the time and creativity of its membership to thrive. Currently, our membership is over 300 women from about 50 countries, however through the years thousands of women have enjoyed the Club’s hospitality during their stay in Milan. There are many good reasons to contribute your energy and effort to the Benvenuto Club of Milan, lots to do and enjoy; check out the rest of the website, then come find or contact us.

Mission

Our mission is to create a vibrant community for women in Milan, offering opportunities to build friendships, expand professional networks, and immerse in Italy’s rich culture. Through social events, cultural excursions, networking activities, volunteering, and cultural exchange, we empower our members to thrive personally and professionally while enriching our community and broader society.

Vision

Our vision is to be the premier club of English-speaking women in Milan, renowned for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and connection. We envision a dynamic community where members feel empowered to explore Milan and Italy, grow their  networks, support each other, and engage in volunteering, creating a home away from home that enriches their journey.

MEET THE BOARD

President

Ivana Borac

I’m a Serbo-Canadian mother of two,
passionate about design, wellbeing, and
meaningful connection. After beginning
my career in private banking, I found myself
drawn to craftsmanship and began
exploring textiles and weaving—an experience
that taught me patience, material sensitivity, and
the beauty of slow creation. This creative foundation eventually
led me to pursue Executive Master’s degrees at Bocconi
and ESS EC, where I deepened my understanding of luxury,
aesthetics, lifestyle and luxury management. My passion
evolved into a broader focus on interiors and wellness, guided
by a belief that how we live, shapes how we feel.
For over 20 years, I’ve lived across continents as an expat—
but Milan, where my daughters were born, is the city I always
return to. And for more than a decade, the Benvenuto Club
has been part of that home. Now in my second year as President,
I’m excited to continue nurturing our community and
fostering meaningful connections together.
Vice President

Iva Cattapan

I have served as Vice President of the
Benvenuto Club of Milan and as the
Club’s representative to FAW CO since
July 2024. I am committed to continuing
this service with dedication and energy
through June 2025. As Vice President,
I work closely with our President, organize the Main Coffees—
our monthly institutional gathering at Circolo Volta—
coordinate the NTN groups, and act as the main organizer
and referent for activities such as Sunday Walk, Movie Club,
Wish Box, and Light Lunch. With over 25 years of international
experience, I specialize in designing and managing
complex systems, including events, training programs, and
communities. I bring strategic thinking, organizational effectiveness,
and a strong focus on people to every project I lead.
As a professional in public speaking and team-building activities,
I’m passionate about building meaningful connections,
energizing teams, and fostering an inclusive, vibrant community
within the Club.
Membership Director

Giovina Di Giacomo

Hello everyone! I am Giovina Di Giacomo. I joined the Benvenuto Club about four years ago, but it is only recently that I have moved to Milan on a permanent basis. I am thrilled to get started with new projects in this beautiful city. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, surrounded by Italian traditions brought by my father’s heritage. Italy was always a destination for our family vacations and a venue for memorable moments. I graduated in the US and worked for 30 years in an international business consulting firm, assisting clients with major company transformations. I worked primarily in Latin American countries, as well as in the US and Spain.
Since joining the Benvenuto Club, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a fantastic group of women who have always welcomed me. The club has become a place for me to make new friends while participating in a variety of wonderful activities. I am delighted to be joining the Board of Directors and am very enthusiastic about my new position, which will provide me even more opportunities to further connect with this amazing community of women. I look forward to meeting you all soon.
Newcomers Director

Silvia Feltrin

Hello, I’m Silvia! I’m originally from Rome, but for 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of living in various corners of the world. My husband’s job took us to Germany and South Africa, where I soaked up the diverse cultures and landscapes. During this time, I’ve shared my love for art by working as an art teacher. Whether at my children’s school or with individual students, I’ve been able to encourage their creativity and help them discover their unique artistic talents. I still enjoy teaching art from time to time, but now that my kids are in university and I’m an empty nester, I’ve dedicated my time to being a relocation agent in Milan. Drawing from my own experiences of moving frequently, I assist families in navigating the complexities of relocating to a new country, from bureaucratic matters to finding the perfect apartment for their needs.
Communications Director

Camille Mason

I am a San Francisco Bay Area native living in Milan for the last 4 years. As a long time entrepreneur and small business owner, I am always eager to support women connnecting, be it in the personal or professional world. My own relocation to Milan was and continues to be immeasurably enriched by joining Benvenuto, giving me a feeling of belonging and community. This is my second non-consecutive term on the board and as before, I am happy to be collaborating with this new group of women in order to serve, bolster and improve the Benvenuto Club of Milan.
Treasurer

Elizabeth Schiavone

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico
(US ). Being immersed in both the Latin
and North American cultures from
a very young age inspired me to lead a
multilingual, multicultural and international
journey. Upon completing studies
in Finance and Marketing, I embarked on a global corporate
career with multinational companies based in Chicago, Miami,
Geneva, Toronto and London. Over the years, I have
worked with people from six continents and explored many
countries and cities. I relocated to Milan with my Italian husband
in 2019 and joined the Benvenuto Club in 2022. Upon
settling in Milano, I launched my executive coaching practice
to help leaders and teams globally to thrive in work and
life. I get to combine my love of music, nature and the arts
with my work, while helping others grow. To keep my creative
juices going, I practice photography, oil painting, tennis
and bicycling. I am always on the lookout for art exhibits and
lyric performances. Going to the symphony or an opera at
Teatro alla Scala is one of my favourite pastimes.
Being part of the Benvenuto Club is fun and energizing because
you get to share stories and experiences with women
from over 60 countries with similar international paths.
I serve as Treasurer to ‘pay it forward’ by helping the Club
to innovate and evolve toward new and more agile ways to
manage its funds. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions
or just to meet.
Special Activities Director

Currently open

Born and raised in Milan, I met my Finnish husband during my postgraduate studies at LSE in 1995. I then spent the next 25 years as a lawyer and academic researcher in London, Brussels and Luxembourg, where I worked with a number of EU institutions. I moved back to Milan with my family in 2021. I am currently focusing on start-up ventures in various fields – from music distribution in Africa to French luxury leather goods.
PR Event Director

Sara Petra Delmonte

Hello everyone, I’m Sara Petra Delmonte,
a Milanese with a truly global spirit!
Born in Milan, with a mix of German
and Italian roots, I spent my school years
at the German School, which really
kick-started my love for all things multicultural.
Think lively exchanges with Germany, the UK, the
USA and even Australia, plus awesome collaborations between
different international schools–we even had epic football
tournaments! This passion for connection carries into
my work as a Financial Advisor at Fineco. I’m always networking,
whether it’s with consulates or multinational execs,
and I have loved my time with BNI , making great friends and
growing professionally. I’m all about teamwork, organizing
fun client events, and I’m even learning golf!
My goal is to keep learning and contribute actively, especially
with groups like the Benvenuto Club, as the Event Director.
Let’s connect and make amazing things happen!
Secretary

Jeryl Stilli

I am an American who first moved to Milan in 1999 and returned again in 2020
and both times I enjoyed the warm, welcoming community of the Benvenuto Club. In the early 2000s, I served on the board as Treasurer and look forward to stepping into the role of Secretary for 2025/26. With a background in finance, I’ve balanced career, family (raising three kids), and life with my Italian husband.
Inspired by the incredible support of Benvenuto Milan, I founded Benvenuto Sanremo in 2005 to bring that same sense of connection to others along the Ligurian coast. Forever
grateful for the friendships and opportunities this community has given me, I’m passionate about paying it forward. Feel free to reach out!
Community Services

Eva Domenech

Hello to all the Benvenuto members, I hope you enjoyed this summer. I am
happy to introduce myself as a new member of our Benvenuto Board. My
name is Eva Domenech. I am from Barcelona, Spain. I hold a degree in Business
and a Master’s in General Management. I am a proud mother of three Children—Alexia, Guillem, and Allegra— and accompanied by the family dog, Frida. My life journey
has taken me across countries and cultures, enriching both my personal and professional paths.
I began my career in the finance department of a construction company, where I worked for 13 years. In 2007, I embarked on an international chapter that first led me and my
family to Russia and then to Italy, where I have lived for the past 18 years—four in Milan, six in Rome, and currently back in Milan for the past eight. During my years in Rome,
I had the chance to embrace a transformative opportunity by collaborating on charity projects with United Nations organisations including the FAO , WFP, and IFAD. These experiences allowed me to work alongside people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, all united by a shared mission: to offer hope and the possibility of a better life to those in need.
Today, I am involved in the family business and have returned to the Benvenuto Club, an association I first joined in 2008.
After a pause during my time in Rome, I am thrilled to be an active member once again. For me, the club represents a vibrant community of talented and generous women, and I
am committed to contributing my energy and experience to help raise funds and offer support to those who need it most.
I hope to see continued collaboration and I am sure that working together will allow us to achieve wonderful goals.
Magazine Editor

Ralitsa Uzunova

Some of you may know me as the treasurer
of the Benvenuto Club for the
years 2022–2024 or from the Reading
Women of Benvenuto group. As of September
I’ll be assuming the position of
the Editor of the Benvenuto Magazine.
I am from Bulgaria and I have lived in Milan for more than
8 years. I have three children and a Jack Russell dog. I am a
Public Relations and marketing specialist and have worked
in a five-star hotel in Sofia – a dynamic and interesting job,
especially when meeting celebrities. Now I work remotely for
a dental clinic in Sofia and at the Bulgarian School in Milan
where I have a book club too.
It is my second time on the Board of the Benvenuto Club but
now I have a great team working with me on the magazine
and I am sure they will help me to continue the excellent work.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Director

Ilaria Moretti

I am a tax consultant, a Chartered Accountant and mother of two children aged 7 and 9. I have been living in Milan for several years now but before I lived in Turin, and I had several experiences abroad. Having a grandmother who lived in England for 40 years, and En- glish cousins, has made it nat- ural for me to stay with foreign people and get to know distinct cultures. I was lucky enough to also study in England as an exchange student during high school and then in Glasgow during university. After graduating in Economics and Legislation for Business at Bocconi University and a postgraduate course in International Taxation, I worked for tax and legal consultancy firms in Milan. Some years ago I started my consultancy firm with a specific depart- ment dedicated to the fiscal regimes of foreign in- vestments and new residents. I am extremely excited to be part of the Board in the role of Fundraising and Sponsorship and to make the club and its amazing activities known to companies that can be potential sponsors.