Valeria Cicerone is a Research and Communications Intern at Heartwarmingly, contributing to evidence-based social innovation and research communication

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Global Governance at the Brussels School of Governance (VUB), where her academic interests focus on human rights, gender and security, transnational organised crime, and international affairs. She previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of New York in Prague, in cooperation with SUNY Empire State University.

Valeria has an international academic background, having studied and lived in different countries across Europe and Latin America. Her international experiences include an exchange year in Brazil and an exchange semester in Peru, which strengthened her interest in cross-cultural dialogue, international cooperation and global governance.

Her research experience focuses particularly on human rights and gender-related issues, with a regional interest in Latin America. Her academic work has explored human trafficking, gendered violence, enforced disappearances and the ways in which structural inequalities shape vulnerabilities to violence. She is particularly interested in connecting academic research with broader policy and societal debates.

At Heartwarmingly, Valeria contributes to research and communications, helping translate research and evidence into accessible and engaging content. She is particularly interested in exploring how research, advocacy and communication can work together to support meaningful and sustainable social change.