Her power, her ideas: Chiara Romano
As part of our Her Power, Her Ideas series, the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform highlights the leadership and contributions of women who are shaping innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe and beyond. More women are stepping into leadership roles in innovation, yet they often remain underrepresented in public narratives.
This week we spotlight Chiara Romano, Co-founder and Board Member of SPICI, a digital innovation hub and international accelerator based in Naples, Italy. She leads the Internationalisation Division, designing acceleration and international growth programmes for start-ups, SMEs and public organisations.
Her work connects European, African and global innovation ecosystems through structured cooperation, strategic partnerships and measurable impact initiatives.
What has being a woman in innovation meant for your journey?
Being a woman in innovation has meant entering a world where I did not fit the “standard profile” on paper. I am not STEM-trained: I came into innovation through international cooperation and internationalisation, building bridges between ecosystems, people and institutions. Over time, I realised that innovation is not only about technology. It is also about strategy, partnerships, trust and execution, and that is where I could create real value.
This path has been empowering, because it allowed me to bring a different lens: asking the right questions, connecting stakeholders, and turning ideas into programmes that actually work across countries and cultures. At the same time, it has sometimes been challenging. In tech-heavy environments, you can feel pressure to prove your credibility quickly, especially as a woman and as someone with a non-STEM background. There have been moments when my contribution was underestimated or when I was the only woman in the room.
What helped me was focusing on substance: being well-prepared, delivering measurable results, and building strong alliances. In 2024, the U.S. Department of State’s IVLP “Women & Entrepreneurship” also reminded me how powerful it is to learn from other women leaders worldwide. Different stories, same determination.
What message would you like to pass on to the next generation of women leaders?
One message I would share with the next generation of women leaders is: do not wait to feel ready, start, and grow through action. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a strong female manager who gave me solid foundations: method, confidence and accountability. I was also surrounded by talented women colleagues whose competence and team spirit helped me through the tough moments that everyone faces.
Today, as a new mother, I have learned another important lesson: there is no perfect formula for being a “perfect” woman leader and a “perfect” mother. You will sometimes feel that you are falling short on one side or the other, and balance is not a fixed destination, it is something you keep adjusting over time.
So build your path with intention. Choose problems that matter to you, look for mentors, ask direct questions, and learn to negotiate your role, your boundaries and your value. Protect your time and energy, I am still learning how to do that too, and do not shrink to fit someone else’s expectations. Your perspective is an asset. Let your work speak, and when you can, open doors for others.
Through initiatives like this series, AEIP continues to highlight the voices and leadership of women advancing inclusive innovation across Africa and Europe. Become part of the AEIP or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay engaged with the growing Africa-Europe innovation community.