Irini Pervolaraki Association
A Star in the Dark
In Irini’s name, we promote the value of women, so that her path—broken but never extinguished—may become a light to follow and transform into new opportunities for younger generations and for the talents that deserve to blossom.
The Unforgettable
Irini Pervolaraki
Irini was a woman who combined rigor and humanity, science and grace, technical expertise and care for others. A STEAM manager of extraordinary talent, but also a great heart, capable of tenderness, listening, and intense relationships.
Born in Crete in the late 1950s, at eighteen she spoke and wrote five languages fluently. She chose to enroll in Chemical Engineering at La Sapienza University of Rome—an unthinkable decision for a young foreign woman in that Italy—already demonstrating that quiet determination that would characterize her entire life.
From Pirelli to Dayco, her career never stopped: factories established from scratch across China, India, Brazil, Poland, and Argentina; multicultural teams coordinated with an authority that was never shouted; senior roles held up to the vice presidency and the only female seat on the Dayco Board of Directors.
Recognized by the President of the Republic with the Star of Merit for Labor, she was the first certified female manager in Abruzzo. A light that does not dazzle, but shows the way.
THE ASSOCIATION
Giving continuity to a vision
The Association dedicated to Irini Pervolaraki was founded with this objective. An international manager who passed away in 2025, she was a figure capable of standing out in the landscape of scientific and technological disciplines through her expertise, vision, and capacity for innovation.
The initiative is promoted by Eng. Paolo Maranca, her husband and lifelong partner, who chose to transform Irini’s human and professional journey into a structured project, capable of looking to the future and making a concrete impact on the opportunities offered to new generations.
The Association was founded with a clear mission: to support and enhance female talent in STEAM, fields that are still marked by a significant gender gap today.
An Award to continue building value
Irini always believed in the value of merit and the power of skills, never accepting barriers or limits related to gender. With this project, we want to ensure that her example lives on, becoming a concrete opportunity for many young women who choose paths in STEAM.
The Irini Pervolaraki Award
Three categories, one single goal
The Award is divided into three categories designed to accompany the entire span of a professional career: from young recent graduates to established professionals, to entrepreneurs capable of leading innovation and transformation.
EARLY MANAGER
Rising Talent
Dedicated to recent STEAM graduates. For those who have just finished their studies and possess the potential to break down prejudices and build the future.
VISIONARY MANAGER
Innovation that creates
Dedicated to entrepreneurs. For founders of innovative businesses who transform research into real value for society.
DRIVEN MANAGER
Leadership that guides
Dedicated to female managers. For professionals in senior roles who lead teams and processes with expertise and vision.
How to participate
Applications open: May 1 – November 30, 2026
Applications can be submitted directly by the candidates themselves or, for the Visionary and Driven sections, also via nomination by colleagues, through the dedicated platform and following registration with the Association.
Association Registration
Prerequisite for all candidates: adhere to the values promoted by the Association through registration.
Dossier preparation
CV in European format, 3-minute video pitch, references, and specific documentation for your category.
Submission of application
By November 30, 2026Self-nomination or colleague nomination via the dedicated platform, with all required documentation.
Evaluation and final interview
The Technical-Scientific Committee will evaluate the application elements and conduct a final interview with the selected candidates.
Applications open
Talent needs to be discovered
Applying means becoming part of a network, sharing your journey, and helping to build a space where female talent is increasingly visible and recognized.
Join the network
Join the Association
Becoming part of the Association means sharing a vision and actively contributing to change. Membership is open to anyone who believes in the value of merit, skills, and gender equality in STEAM disciplines.
Registering is also the first step toward applying for the “A Star in the Dark” Award.
Access to the Award
Possess the requirements to apply for one of the Award categories.
Network
Connect with professionals, institutions, and partner companies.
Exclusive events
Participate in meetings, workshops, and reserved discussion sessions.
Community
Be part of an ecosystem that values female talent in STEAM.
The Award
Who evaluates the applications
The selection of the winners will be carried out by a high-profile Technical-Scientific Committee, tasked with ensuring quality, vision, and consistency with the values of Irini Pervolaraki.
Arch. Elisabetta Spitz
Extraordinary Commissioner for MOSE and Bank of Italy, CEO of Invimit
Dr. Antonio Ronza
HR Manager for TLC, IT, P.A.
Eng. Giuseppe Alfonso Cassino
Manager in the Transport Sector
Dr. Guido Gabriele
Strategic Business Consultant, Reorganization and Crisis Management
Supporters of the "A Star in the Dark" International Award and the Irini Pervolaraki Association:
