Alumni Summer Gala 2026

Where tradition meets innovation: stories of entrepreneurship and growth

We are delighted to announce a new edition of the most eagerly anticipated event for our Community: the Alumni Summer Gala! As every year, the Alumni Summer Gala will be a unique opportunity to reconnect, celebrate the achievements of the Community, and create new professional connections in a dynamic and exclusive environment. The evening will offer moments of dialogue and inspiration with distinguished speakers who will share their perspectives on today’s most relevant topics. 

This year, the evening will take place on Thursday, June 11, starting at 6:15 PM, in the elegant and historic setting of Palazzo Castiglioni, in the heart of Milan. We will explore the theme “Where tradition meets innovation: stories of entrepreneurship and growth” through the voices of leaders who are helping to transform the world of work and organizations:

Mario Calabresi, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Chora News
A journalist and author, he began his career as a parliamentary reporter at ANSA, served as a correspondent in the United States, led La Stampa and La Repubblica, and today is one of the most authoritative voices in the Italian media landscape. He now heads Chora Media, a company he co-founded, which is innovating the way news and audio storytelling are produced in Italy.

Danila De Stefano, Founder and CEO of Unobravo
A psychologist and entrepreneur, she transformed a personal insight—developed during an experience abroad—into a project capable of addressing a concrete need. Her journey combines clinical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and a strong focus on social impact, shaping an innovative model that places people at its core. This vision led to the creation of Unobravo, a Benefit Corporation founded in 2019 with the goal of making psychological support more accessible, flexible, and aligned with people’s real needs. Through the thoughtful use of technology, Unobravo has built a platform that breaks down geographical, cultural, and economic barriers, rethinking how psychological well-being is delivered and experienced.

Elena Lavezzi, CEO of ZNEXT, Zanichelli’s venture builder dedicated to EdTech, the Future of Work, and Lifelong Learning
One of the few women in Italy leading an innovation initiative of this scale, Elena has built her career by anticipating change across the markets she has worked in. She contributed to the launch of Uber in Italy in the early years of the sharing economy, led the European expansion of two international technology companies—Circle, a U.S.-based leader in the blockchain sector, and Revolut, a UK-based financial technology company offering banking services—and served as Group Chief Strategy Officer at Kuda, an African fintech company. Three continents, three industries, and one constant: the ability to recognize and anticipate what comes next before anyone else.

We will also celebrate the Alumni Awards, dedicated to alumni who have distinguished themselves for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and impact, in the following categories:

• Innovation Alumni Award
• Entrepreneurship Alumni Award
• Sustainability & Impact Alumni Award

The evening will conclude with a networking aperitif, offering the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new professionals, build meaningful relationships, and share special moments in a location rich in charm and history.

Don’t miss the chance to experience an evening designed to celebrate our Community and foster valuable professional connections. We look forward to welcoming you!

For more information: community@gsom.polimi.it