May 15, 2025

15 May, Imola: from “Il Coraggio di Sognare” to the Fanzone — celebrating students against bias

It was an inspiring afternoon on 15 May at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit in Imola, where the award ceremony of the “ANTICORPI CONTRO I PREGIUDIZI” challenge took place.

Launched on 8 March during the WOW – Women Motor event, the initiative was promoted by MUNER, BOOM and Pirelli to raise awareness among young people about gender equity and the importance of pursuing STEM careers beyond stereotypes.

The day began at Teatro Ebe Stignani with Il Coraggio di Sognare, a talk where Elena Bassoli (UNIMORE professor and Coordinator of the MUNER Gender & Diversity Empowerment Committee) and Rosanna Maresca (BOOM) joined Elena Penazzi (City Councillor for the Autodrome) and moderator Carolina Tedeschi to share the origins of the challenge and its key themes: breaking down gender bias and encouraging students to dream big through STEM. Over 150 students, divided into 13 teams, took part in the challenge.

At 4:30 PM, the spotlight shifted to the Formula 1 Fanzone, where the winning team from Aldini Valeriani Technical Institute in Bologna was awarded by Mario Isola (Pirelli Motorsport Director). The students received a custom WOW-branded Pirelli mini tyre and exclusive paddock access with a guided tour. The nine team members took the stage accompanied by their headmaster and vice headmistress.

Also present to congratulate the winners were Marco Panieri (Mayor of Imola), Teresa Serra (Communication Manager, MUNER), Angela Iorio (BOOM), and Giovanna Corigliano (Head of HR Global Motorsport, Technical & Commercial Functions, Pirelli).

????️ The winning project featured a podcast enriched with visual storytelling, where female students shared their passion for STEM and motorsport, turning personal experiences with bias into “antibodies” that strengthened their drive to succeed.

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About the Organisers

• MUNER – Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna, founded in 2017 by four universities and major Motor Valley companies, with the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region. MUNER provides top-tier vehicle engineering education through a hands-on, industry-driven approach.
• Pirelli, a world leader in tire manufacturing focused on the Consumer market. Global tire partner of Formula 1 since 2011, Pirelli is known for innovation, technological excellence, and its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
• BOOM – CRIF’s Knowledge & Innovation Hub, a hybrid space for education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, developing future-ready skills and fostering collaboration among schools, companies, and institutions.
• WOW – Women Motor, an initiative by the Municipality of Imola and the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit promoting gender equality in the automotive sector and beyond, through talks, workshops, and youth challenges.