Across Borders and Barriers: Laura’s Journey to Social Justice

Meet Laura Cestaro, our Project Manager for Chatbot Sophia and one of the early ACTivists at Spring ACT. Having lived in six countries since childhood, Laura’s global upbringing gave her a unique lens on social injustice and a deep-rooted passion for change. From leading marches at the age of 12 and founding advocacy clubs to working with international human rights bodies, her path has been guided by a commitment to justice and now, through her work with Chatbot Sophia, she’s helping ensure that safety and support transcend borders and reach people facing domestic abuse.

Please share with us about your journey so far? Where are you from, how did you come into tech and social justice?

I am italian, but I’ve lived in six countries since I turned five. My first move outside Italy was to Slovakia when I was 12 and it marked the start of my international journey. It was there that I began learning English and gaining awareness of different social issues, including domestic violence. I remember we used to see a lot of news on TV on domestic abuse back then because at the time Slovakia faced a significant struggle with it.  

I also learned more about it through a friend whose parents worked for an NGO addressing domestic violence. These exposures sparked my passion for social justice, leading me to join my first march to end domestic violence at just 12 years old.

Later, when I moved to the United Kingdom and connected with a diverse group of students on campus, my understanding of social issues expanded. I wanted to create a safe, empowering space for people facing various challenges, so I founded a club dedicated to advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. We organised marches, led campaigns for Black Lives Matter, celebrated Black History Month, and championed gender equality.

I later pursued a law degree, specialising in human rights and international law, solidifying my commitment to social justice. This foundation led me to work with the UN Human Rights Committee, NGOs in Geneva, and the Council of Europe, where I contributed to efforts advocating for human rights compliance on an international scale.

What motivated you to join Spring ACT? 

I first learned about Spring ACT through a friend’s post. As I read the story of how the idea of Chatbot Sophia originated during the COVID-19 lockdown, it deeply resonated with me. 

When the lockdown began, I was in university working on my thesis and as I explored possible topics, I realised domestic violence was weighing on me the most, especially with the rising numbers at the time. So I did my thesis on domestic violence.

I felt there was a common ground between the organisation’s mission and my interest in work, which is why I started volunteering for Spring ACT. 

How was your journey as a volunteer?

It was an incredibly rewarding experience. I started volunteering with a focus on advocacy, and during the first few months, I worked on launching Chatbot Sophia in Switzerland. 

As a practical person, I found this experience especially fulfilling because it was hands-on, impactful, and deeply connected to tackling the root causes of the issue.

What stood out to me most was how the approach acknowledged domestic violence as a global problem, highlighting that national interventions alone aren’t enough.

Based on your long background of activism to end domestic violence why do you think the issue still persists?

I believe domestic abuse is fundamentally about power and control, driven by a web of interconnected factors like culture and patriarchy. From a legal standpoint, the lack of legal consequences I think also immensely adds to this cycle. Ultimately, it’s a deeply rooted, complex cultural bias that perpetuates domestic abuse.

Tell us a bit about your role here. 

I oversee the operations of Chatbot Sophia, focusing on its performance, enhancement, and global expansion. I collaborate closely with the tech team to improve Sophia’s knowledge, features, and functionality while engaging with external partners to bring Sophia across borders. I also actively seek opportunities to introduce Sophia to new audiences through public speaking and building partnerships.

How do you think Sophia is different from other services and what role is it playing to end domestic violence? 

Sophia stands out because it ensures support transcends borders while prioritising anonymity and digital protection of the people chatting to her.

This is extremely crucial because it allows people to remain in full control of the information they share – leaving no digital trace. Many people seeking help fear their data might be exposed. With Sophia they get a safe and secure space where they can access support without that fear, empowering them to take the first step toward help with confidence.

What’s your favourite memory of Spring ACT?

My most favourite moment was the launch of Sophia, where many survivors came together to share their experiences as we introduced Sophia to the world. It was incredibly moving to hear their stories firsthand and to see their belief in Sophia’s potential to support and empower other victim-survivors. Their voices gave the launch a powerful, personal meaning –  reinforcing why this work matters.

Another unforgettable moment was representing Spring ACT at a high-level conference in Geneva, hosted by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, where we got to present Sophia to the international community. We were thrilled to win the Youth and Future Prize – “Together We’re Better” in the Think Global, Act Local category and even received the award from the President of Switzerland!

It was one of our first big recognitions, and it really gave us a confidence boost to keep pushing forward.

When you are not working, what do you do? What are your hobbies?

I enjoy swimming and have a passion for acting, dancing and singing. I also love connecting with people and immersing myself in different cultures, traveling, and planning new things, and I am always eager to learn and experience something new.

 

 – Interviewed by Ahona Azad Choyti for Spring ACT