My Core / Why?

From a young age, I was exposed to complex social issues—migration, economic hardship, single-parenting, and gender-related struggles—that shaped my understanding of the world. Growing up as the daughter of an immigrant single mother from Albania, in Italy, I witnessed the challenges of navigating life without a strong social safety net or support system. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how societies function and how they can evolve to provide greater opportunities for all.

This curiosity naturally led me to study social sciences, where I could study the questions I had long been asking about education, development, and social mobility. My work focuses on understanding how factors like demographic diversity, peer interactions, and identity influence learning environments and outcomes.

In both my research and teaching, I strive to create spaces where everyone feels empowered to succeed. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of education, I am committed to fostering inclusion and supporting those who may be overlooked or marginalized. Whether through my research on school choice or my role as a mentor, my goal is to ultimately help others unlock their potential and thrive.

If you relate to this, I would love to hear more from you. Let’s connect!