#United States #Women Empowerment #Oak Brook #Zonta International #Fernanda Gallo Freschi

Zonta International Welcomes New Leadership

Zonta International, a prominent global organization dedicated to the advancement of women and girls, has proudly welcomed Fernanda Gallo Freschi as its new president. Inducted on July 14, 2026, Gallo Freschi will lead Zonta International and the Zonta Foundation for Women over the next two years. Her leadership is anticipated to guide the organization through challenging times and inspire actionable change.

Gallo Freschi, who is an esteemed member of the Zonta Club of Milano Sant'Ambrogio in Italy, was selected for the presidency after being elected in June 2024. Her previous roles included vice president and international director, along with numerous leadership positions at both the regional and local levels. With nearly 40 years of professional experience in predominantly male-dominated fields such as civil and environmental engineering, Gallo Freschi has personally encountered and addressed gender-based workplace inequalities, making her perspective invaluable in her new role.

In her first address as president, Gallo Freschi highlighted the pressing global challenges that affect women and girls, stating, "We live in a time of extraordinary change that greatly affects the lives of women and girls worldwide. This is not discouraging for us; it is a call to action. As members, we must stay resourceful, generous, and determined in our mission."

Under Gallo Freschi's leadership, Zonta aims to foster a climate-just, inclusive, and engaged community. Her vision embodies the idea that improving the lives of women and girls also contributes to making a better world for everyone. Zonta International, founded in 1919 by a group of visionary women in Buffalo, New York, strives to achieve global gender equality through various initiatives focused on the areas of education, empowerment, and advocacy against violence toward women.

As an organization, Zonta International boasts over 23,000 members in 65 countries, collaborating to pave a path towards gender equality. Since its inception, the organization has invested more than $55 million in projects that support women’s education, healthcare accessibility, and economic opportunities. These initiatives have made significant strides in combatting violence against women and inequality in decision-making positions, creating better living conditions for women worldwide.

Gallo Freschi’s term will also focus on reinforcing dialogues around climate justice, emphasizing a need for gender considerations in climate policies and initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Zonta aims to confront the climate crisis with a keen focus on inclusion and equity, ensuring that women and girls have a seat at the table in shaping sustainable futures.

With Gallo Freschi at the helm, Zonta International reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and girls everywhere, standing as a beacon of hope and change during a time of significant global transition. These leadership changes coincide with the ongoing efforts to elevate women's voices and improve their representation across various sectors, ensuring a more equitable future for all.

As the organization embarks on this new chapter, Zonta International looks forward to inspiring its members and communities to act decisively towards achieving the shared goal of gender equality.

For more information about Zonta International and its initiatives, visit Zonta's official website.