Barbara Castellano

Activist, Blogger, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Connector, Event planner, Explorer, Project manager, World traveler

A Puglia-born heart beating in Florentine soil for over 20 years! I studied classical subjects and thought international law was my calling, but I later discovered a passion for communication and the web. I fell in love with Florence and decided to build my adult life here, even though it meant giving up on salted bread and Puglia's mozzarella. Olive trees are one of my great passions, no matter where they are found.

As an avid fan of comics and art history, I find great joy in using my imagination to explore fantastical worlds and delving into their historical context. I am equally captivated by the rich and varied cultural traditions of language, food, religion, and ways of life, as they offer an authentic glimpse into the heart and soul of a country. With an eye toward the future, I take an active interest in the latest technological developments that are shaping our world. As a professional who primarily works online, I am constantly curious about how technology can be harnessed to improve our lives and society at large. In my free time, I indulge in the simple pleasures of life by baking sweet treats and hosting dinner parties with friends. And when I'm seeking a more introspective experience, I've found that walking alone along the Camino de Santiago is a profound and beautiful way to connect with myself and the world around me.

I discovered TED thanks to the web, and mainly as a way to improve my English. During an event for a women's community, I met my friend Stefania, who was organizing the team for the first TEDxFirenze. I joined the team, and when Stefania decided to move away, I became the licensee. In the meantime, we organized a TEDFirenze Studio together, and I personally curated a talk that I am very proud of. I began attending various TEDx events in Italy and discovered an engaging and stimulating community.

Organize and arrange the drawers