Ilenia was born and raised in Florence, where she obtained a degree in Political Science and International Studies. During high school, she had the opportunity to be an exchange student in a small town in Missouri, where she graduated alongside her American classmates. Besides providing her with a strong knowledge of rodeos and farm life, this experience sparked her interest in a career that would allow her to maintain a connection between the Italian and the American culture. 

Thanks to the Erasmus program, she was able to study and live in Amsterdam for six months, during which she fell in love with the city and consolidated her ambition to work in a multicultural environment. 

Outside of work, Ilenia is a sports enthusiast. She played basketball for many years and loves to watch and engage in sports of all kinds. She also loves cats, hiking in the Italian Alps, and watching (or re-watching) good movies – especially if Damien Chazelle directed them!