They say about us
MARIA VITTORIA BOTTI
I am Maria Vittoria Botti, and I am the first student who had the opportunity to do a one-year internship in New York thanks to Remembering Marco. During my final year of university, I decided to apply for the Campus World project at the Università Politecnica delle Marche so I could do an internship abroad. I was looking for an experience that could enrich my résumé before entering the working world. When I saw “Valentino USA in New York” on the list, I applied immediately. At first, I didn’t know about the connection with Remembering Marco, but when Annalisa explained during the interview what it was and why that scholarship existed, I wanted the position even more—and I felt doubly honored when I was selected.
I arrived in New York in April 2016. The beginning wasn’t easy for a small-town girl like me, but New York has its own way of winning you over, and it was impossible not to fall in love with it. After a few months, I already felt like a true New Yorker. From a professional perspective as well, I couldn’t have been happier—the environment was stimulating, and I had the chance to work with great professionals who taught me so much. It was an invaluable experience both on a personal and professional level.
I left in 2016 for a six-month internship that then became a year, and eventually became the rest of my life. After my time in New York, I started working for Valentino Spa in Italy, where I still am today. Saying that this experience changed my life would be an understatement. Opportunities like this are neither common nor easy to find, and for that reason I will always be grateful to Annalisa and to Marco. I hope that one day I will be able to do the same for someone else when I have the chance.
ANDREA CASINI
As soon as I learned about this opportunity in 2017 through UNIVPM, I didn’t hesitate to submit my application. The chance to challenge myself far from home, in a city like New York, was priceless, stimulating, and an unmatched opportunity for both personal and professional growth.
None of this would have been possible without Annalisa, the Remembering Marco foundation, and the values it upholds.
MARTINA MACERATESI
My name is Martina, and I am one of those young people who had the incredible opportunity to take part in a one-year internship in New York at Valentino, thanks to the association “Remembering Marco,” founded by the wonderful Annalisa Menin.
I was 23 years old and just a few exams away from completing my Master’s degree when that wonderful opportunity came my way. It was the university where I was studying that put me in touch with Annalisa.
At the time, I didn’t know her well. After reading her book “My Last Year in New York” and learning about her story, I was deeply moved. In honor of Marco, she managed to build an association that allowed ordinary students like me to relive Marco’s journey—he, too, had once been a student at my same university.
It has now been four years since that time. I remember that, at first, something was holding me back in Italy. I had already had a couple of experiences abroad, but never one so far from home, never in a city so big, and never on the other side of the world. In the end, I convinced myself to go, because I realized that opportunities like this come only once in a lifetime.
Today, I tell myself I could not have made a better choice! Being able to work in one of the most prestigious and renowned fashion houses in the world, improve my English, discover cultures I had never seen before, live the American dream… I think it was the most incredible adventure I have ever lived—both from an educational and a personal point of view. I learned so many things during that year in New York, but above all I learned that in life we need to believe in ourselves more, and that sometimes we need to take a leap of faith to overcome our fears.
I will never stop thanking Annalisa for everything she has done for me. She and Marco—whom I unfortunately never had the chance to meet—will remain in my heart. I am honored to have been part of this project!
ANTONIO PAPALINI
My name is Antonio, and I was the fourth candidate to take part in the one-year internship in New York at Valentino, thanks to the association “Remembering Marco,” founded by Annalisa Menin. I was finishing my master’s degree when the opportunity arose to apply for this experience that changed my life. I got in touch with Annalisa through the university; they guided me step by step, and in the end, I was selected as the candidate. I didn’t know Annalisa, but after reading her book “My Last Year in New York,” I felt proud to be able to take part in such a noble project. Thanks to the foundation she created, it gave—and still gives—ordinary university students the chance to challenge themselves in a structured and renowned company, and in a country like the United States, which I consider “the world’s arena,” where you can gain an unparalleled set of skills.
Three years have passed since this experience, and I will never stop thanking Annalisa for giving me the opportunity to be part of this project. At the time, I had already had a couple of experiences abroad, and since my degree program was in English, I had no problems with the language. At Valentino, they welcomed me in the best possible way, guiding me and helping me grow. I met fantastic and truly supportive people, and I will never stop thanking them. New York is a city that shapes you, brings out who you really are, and makes you understand what you want and how to achieve it. On a personal level—but above all on a professional one—I don’t think there could have been a better city in the world.
“Remembering Marco” changed my life, and in a certain sense, I owe my professional career to Annalisa and Marco, and this makes me truly proud! I’m really happy that the project is continuing!
GIZEM SIRMALI
In recent years, Annalisa has become one of the people I trust the most when it comes to career decisions, personal growth, and bringing my projects to life. We talk every week or every two weeks, and what I appreciate most is how present and consistent she is.
She has guided me through many different phases: supporting me in building Gigi Room Ceramics, helping me define my freelance role with INSPIRED, and even attending one of my retreats in person just to support me. Her advice is always sincere but also encouraging; she has the ability to balance direct feedback with the motivation I need to keep moving forward.
What makes Annalisa special is how deeply she cares about the growth of her mentees. She doesn’t just give abstract advice: she comes with ideas, examples, and practical suggestions I can act on right away. She helps me see the bigger picture, but also the next step I should take. And, just as importantly, she has helped me find mental clarity during moments when I felt stuck.
I can truly say that Annalisa’s mentorship has made a huge difference in my work and in my confidence. Anyone who has the chance to work with her will experience the same combination of sincerity, support, and inspiration that I’ve been fortunate to receive.