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Celebrating Our ACTivist of the Month: Maria Rosa

Maria Rosa Della Ragione is a passionate Italian translator, working with us since June 2024. With a solid command of English, French, Spanish, and Russian, Maria Rosa’s deep love for languages and cultural exchange has shaped both her academic and professional path. She is committed to using her skills to address social injustices, a mission reflected in her dissertation topic – “racial discrimination” – completed as part of her Master’s in Specialised Translation at the University of Geneva.

Join us as we explore how Maria Rosa is leveraging her expertise to fight social inequalities through the power of language.

Joining Spring ACT: A Mission That Deeply Resonated with Maria Rosa

Maria Rosa was drawn to Spring ACT by its mission to use technology as a tool for social change. She says,

“I am a young translator, and I have always been interested in the world of international organisations like Spring ACT. When I saw Rhiana Spring’s (the founder of the organisation’s ) announcement on LinkedIn, I just decided to apply immediately.

What really convinced me is Spring ACT’s active commitment to helping people in vulnerable situations and experiencing abuse through technologies. These technological solutions help the people in need to get connected with the right people, who can then support them in the process and make them feel safe.”

Diving into the Role: Making an Impact Through Translation

One of the most impactful projects Maria Rosa has worked on at Spring ACT has been testing and improving the efficiency of the chatbot “Sophia” – that supports people facing domestic abuse to get the support they need. Her translation work helps ensure that individuals seeking help through Spring ACT’s platform can access the necessary resources without any language barriers. As Maria Rosa explains,

“In addition to translating knowledge articles for the chatbot into multiple languages, I’ve also tested its effectiveness for native speakers of different languages to ensure they receive the information they need seamlessly. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to provide end-to-end support and knowing that my work empowers people to take steps against violence and abuse in all its forms.”

Expanding the Horizon: Deeper Understanding of Advocacy and Social Justice

Working with Spring ACT has further strengthened Maria Rosa’s awareness of global injustices. It has reinforced the need to speak up against abuse and discrimination, rather than staying silent.

“Working with Spring ACT as a volunteer translator, I realised that I too can make a difference by using my language skills in my work to help anyone who turns to Spring ACT.”

Making a Difference, One Word at a Time

When asked to describe her journey with Spring ACT in one word, Maria Rosa chose “Difference.”

“Yes, difference is my word. Why? Spring ACT made me realise that anyone can always make a difference as long as you don’t keep quiet when faced with situations where there is abuse or injustice of any kind. Silence is never helpful and is counterproductive.”

Beyond Activism: A Love for Languages and Music

Outside of her work at Spring ACT, Maria Rosa continues to indulge in her love for translation, finding joy in exploring new languages and cultures. She also has a deep appreciation for music.

“What do I do? I translate, translate and translate again. I am a lover of foreign languages and any form of language. I also love music a lot. I have always thought that music can reach many times where words cannot. In that sense, I have always defined it as a form of universal language and absolutely a great therapy to find yourself in dark moments or moments where you simply need to relax!”

Looking Ahead: A Future in Advocacy and Translation

Maria Rosa envisions a future where she continues to merge her expertise in translation with her passion for activism. Her dream is to work for international organisations that combat injustice and shine a spotlight on global inequalities.

Whether it’s through Spring ACT or other humanitarian efforts, Maria Rosa is determined to remain a force for positive change, making her dream of a more just world a reality.

 

-Written by Elodie Whyte