Maria has a double Master in urban planning and policy design at Politecnico di Milano and at the HafenCity University Hamburg. After several experiences in citizens participation and communication in local development processes in Italy and Germany, in 2014 she joined the URBACT Secretariat as capitalisation intern, supporting the coordination of the workstreams and the elaboration of the related outputs. In 2015-2016, Maria worked at the Secretariat as Closure Officer, assisting all networks in the closing procedures and supporting the Secretariat team in the closure of URBACT II. Currently, Maria works as urban planner in Hamburg and runs the local headquarter of a Dutch think-tank supporting community-led initiatives. City exploration, citizens empowerment, sustainable urban living are her hobbies!
