#ENACTUS VOICES - Empowering Change Through Academia - Stefania Coppo

Since joining the Enactus Program as the Faculty Advisor at the University of Padua, Stefania Coppo has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the Enactus UniPd team. With a deep belief in the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to society, Stefania has embraced her role not just as a guide, but as a connector—linking students with the tools, people, and opportunities that help them thrive. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey with Enactus and the values that drive her work.

Empowering Change Through Academia

An Interview with Stefania Coppo, Enactus Faculty Advisor at the University of Padua

1. How long have you known Enactus and what is your role within your university?

“I joined the Enactus Programme as Administrative Faculty Advisor at the University of Padua in 2023 and the project has immediately fascinated me. I was impressed by their commitment and perseverance and, gradually, I committed myself to support them and to create more valuable opportunities within the local ecosystem.”

2. What does being part of the Enactus network mean to you?

“To me, Enactus represents a platform that empowers young individuals to take initiative in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today. It fosters an open, inclusive environment—almost an Agora—where students can reflect, debate, and exchange ideas without interference. Not all ideas are feasible or sustainable or possible, but this exercise helps to stimulate discussion, confrontation and listening.

3. Among the initiatives carried out to develop Enactus UniPd, which steps do you consider crucial and which best practices would you like to share with the community?

“When I joined in 2023, I encountered a small but highly motivated group of students who were passionately working on their project. Little by little, I tried to help them get better organized as a first step. Then, I focused on creating networking opportunities with professors and professionals who could guide them with constructive feedback, without disrupting their project.

In 2024 and 2025, as the team expanded, I complemented the official Enactus Italy programme with a series of targeted initiatives. These included thematic meetings involving faculty, research teams, and students to deepen the topics explored by Enactus UniPd members. I also organized soft skills workshops aimed at strengthening both team cohesion and a sense of community. 

In 2025, I established a collaboration with industry professionals to deliver lectures on entrepreneurship and innovation. These sessions were well-attended and received highly positive feedback from students!

Additionally, I ensured the team participated in the "Festival dello Sviluppo Sostenibile," held annually in Padua at the beginning of May. This initiative provided a meaningful opportunity to engage the local community and raise awareness around the issues addressed by the team”.

Thank you, Stefania, for sharing your commitment and initiative with us, and good luck to the Enactus UniPd Team for the National Competition 2025! 

Stefania Coppo's work is a testament to how committed Faculty Advisors can amplify the impact of student-led initiatives. By building bridges between academia and real-world innovation, she exemplifies the Enactus spirit—where vision meets action, and ideas become sustainable change. 

We are thankful to have such an inspiring Enactus community on board!