Agenda

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Doors open - Check in & Networking

6:30 PM - 6:45 PM Opening Remarks from Consul General Massimo Carnelos, BAIA, followed by the Honoree Award

6:45 PM - 7:30 PM Keynote Speaker

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Reception and Networking continue - Event closes

Join us for the closing event of Women’s History Month featuring a keynote by Professor Alessandra Cassar, University of San Francisco.

What can an Italian researcher learn about success from women in some of the world’s most challenging economies? A lot more than you might expect. Professor Cassar bridges her world-class research in behavioral economics with the everyday realities faced by professional women today.

Standard economic models tend to view success through the lens of individual competition, often overlooking the strategic power of cooperation. Drawing on insights from behavioral economics, evolutionary theory, and cross-cultural research, this keynote reveals how women’s cooperative strategies are not only deeply rooted in human evolution, but also particularly well suited to modern institutions and global interactions. In a world built on networks, teams, and collaboration across borders, cooperation may be the ultimate competitive edge.

Far from being a weakness, women’s inclination to reduce inequality and manage risk emerges as one of their most powerful and underappreciated strategic advantages. Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of AI, Nobel laureate 2024, has a simple idea for controlling super-intelligent AI: make it love us like a mother loves her baby. Babies are less intelligent than their mothers but still get what they need, because mothers are wired to put them first. If AI becomes smarter than us - as Hinton predicts - maybe maternal instinct is the safest leash we have. Is this compatible with the evolutionary views of female strategies?

As part of this celebration, BAIA proudly continues its tradition of honoring women who foster inclusivity and excellence within our community. This year, we recognize Sandra Bagnatori, joining the distinguished lineage of past honorees Romana Bracco, Amelia Antonucci, Valentina Imbeni, and Vitalba Gammicchia.

A native San Franciscan raised in the Marina District, Sandra has devoted her life to preserving and celebrating San Francisco’s vibrant Italian American heritage. As Executive Director of the Museo Italo-Americano, Sandra is leading fundraising for the Museo’s "Future Home", a new landmark venue that will showcase Italian culture through art, history, and immersive experiences in food, film, and community dialogue.

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating women’s leadership, resilience, and the cooperative spirit driving success across continents.

This event is possible thanks to the support of the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco.

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Wine, prosecco, and Italian appetizer will be served during the reception.

Contact events@baia-network.org for any questions.

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