Italian Leading Women – Politicians, Stylists, Scientists, Artists, Educators and so Much More

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Joanne Natale Spigonardo

March 6, 2024

March is international women’s month. So many Italian women to celebrate. The list is very long, and I am sure that your Mothers and Grandmothers should be on that list as well. Italian women are tough, intelligent and resourceful. They are creative, innovative, and kind. March 8th is International Women’s Day. In Italy it is usually celebrated by giving the important women in your life bunches of bright yellow mimosa. The most influential Italian women in my opinion, are Caterina de’ Medici, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Mother Cabrini, Catherine of Seina, and my beautiful mother, Raffaela Della Vecchia Natale.

Today, I would like to focus on Caterina de’ Medici. She was the daughter of Lorenzo de’Medici and Madeleine della La Tour de Aurvegni. She was born in the esteemed cultural landscape of Florence in 1519 but was married off to Henry the II, King of France at age 14. Although she was not known as a great beauty, but she is known as a great leader and artist. Upon her husband’s and son’s deaths, Catherine was Queen Consort and Queen Regent in France from 1547-1563. She governed political crisis, religious wars and economic strategies.

Caterina de’Medici – Queen Regent of France

Caterina Italianized France. She brought the art, cuisine, and style of Florence to France. She is known for bringing pasta, tomatoes, artichokes and chocolate to France. Caterina is known for her artistic designs of gardens, interior architecture, and general style. She introduced table settings, and beautiful eating utensils to France. You could say she was the Martha Stewart of her era, and so much more. Catherine was a powerhouse and a strategic politician as well.

Home stylists today still use the designs of Caterina’s tablescapes. They are opulent, clever, full of color and are always show stopping. Her tablescapes have been featured in today’s magazines, and newspapers, for example Better Homes and Gardens and The New York Times.

Caterina de’Medici Tablescape Design
Caterina de’Medici Garden and Table Designs

Caterina was a renowned cook in her time, as well as today. She was known for her famous salad. It is still offered in restaurants today as the Insalata di Caterina. It includes fresh greens, tomatoes, pecorino cheese, and anchovies. You could say that it is related to the Nicoise salad that we all know.

Inspired by Caterina de’Medici – Salad Nicoise

Besides her countless contributions to French and Italian cuisine, she was also know as one of the first pastry chefs. The famous French and Italian cream puffs or religieuse are attributed to her masterful talents with desserts.

Religieuse is a French pastry attributed to Caterina de’Medici

Caterina de ‘Medici is a true Renaissance Woman of the 16th century and also in today’s world. She is the modern woman, that is a strong leader, is versatile, artistic, and can multi-task. She had it all and did it all. Caterina is a true role model and a Queen in every way.

About the Author:

Joanne Natale Spigonardo has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, music, literature, film, history, wine, and cuisine. She is a lover of nature and beauty.  She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB.  For more information about Joanne please visit her LinkedIn page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/.

Published by spigonaj

Joanne Spigonardo Business Development Consultant Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative. Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture. As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn. At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton. Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB

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