Rossana Arcano

Activist, Business adviser, Christian, Educator/Teacher, Policy maker, Scientist, Student

A trailblazing visionary of the new generation, researcher, and civic leader. Pursuing a PhD in criminal economics (focused on anti-mafia and anti-corruption studies) and contributing as an economist at a political research center, Carlotta Arcano serves as President of the Youth Council of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria. She transforms ideas into impactful actions for social change. Passionate about innovation and active citizenship, Carlotta inspires young people to redefine the future of their community.

Economics of crime (antimafia and anticorruption); economics; politics; social sciences.

“Unleashing the power of Southern Italy: how young leaders can transform a historically overlooked region into a beacon of innovation, resilience, and cultural renaissance.”

My TED story is one of journeys and returns. I left Southern Italy to study and work in Milan, focusing on finance and anti-money laundering, and later moved to Rome to pursue my role as an economist. Yet, my heart always called me back to the South. Returning home, I embraced my roots and dedicated myself to transforming the challenges of my region into opportunities for change. Today, I balance my work as a researcher, my PhD, and a master’s program in anti-mafia and anti-corruption studies, driven by the belief that resilience and innovation can rewrite the future of our communities.

People don’t know I’m good at turning impossible challenges into opportunities for transformation and leading others to create extraordinary impact.