Women in AI: the story of Roberta Curto, an agricultural entrepreneur
“The history of our estate is a tale of dedication and a connection to the land spanning three generations. First my grandfather, and then my father, worked here for many years as gastaldi [administrators during the monarchy], looking after it with care long before it became ours,” begins the interview with Roberta Curto, an agricultural entrepreneur at Tenuta Civrana, Meridiana del Paradiso (Venice), who took part in the programme “Women’s Intelligence in AI: Skills for Female Entrepreneurs and Professionals”, funded by the Center for Public Impact as part of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund and promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS.
The turning point came in 2022 when the family officially took over the business. “Today, my brother and I have joined the company, bringing fresh impetus to a project that already has solid foundations, such as the agritourism and educational farm, which have been operating successfully for over 15 years. My aim is to combine this historical legacy with my skills in computer engineering and statistical science, introducing the touch of innovation and data management needed to further grow the business in a modern market, without ever losing touch with our roots.”
The choice of this path is therefore linked to Roberta’s academic background; after graduating in computer engineering, she also worked as a data analyst. Roberta was looking to update her skills: “I chose this path not only to find ways to increase turnover, but above all to enhance my personal skills in this new world. In a sector that evolves so rapidly, staying up to date is a strategic necessity.” Her approach to AI has also changed thanks to the course she undertook: whereas before it was more analytical and traditional, she now considers generative AI an everyday tool for managing the complexity of tasks related to her business, from bureaucracy to communication, and a support for the company’s level of innovation. “What I appreciated most about the course was the extremely practical and interactive nature of the classroom: there was very little theory and plenty of exercises, which is essential for those, like me, who have little time and need solutions that can be applied immediately. Furthermore, the interaction with other female entrepreneurs was extremely useful. Sharing the same doubts and concerns helped me realise that the challenges of digitalisation are common to many sectors”.
Several myths have been debunked: AI is not just for industry insiders or large multinationals. “I used to think it might be unnecessary for a small farm, but I’ve discovered that it’s precisely in multifunctional businesses like ours that it can make a real difference, simplifying the management of very diverse tasks. The impact has been immediate and tangible, especially in a critical area like preparing quotes. Before, it was a time-consuming task to tailor each proposal to the different needs of guests or schools;
now I use AI to create precise, professional and quick drafts, based on my data. This allows me to be much more responsive when replying to customers,” adds Roberta, who explains how AI helps her to better organise workflows between the different parts of the business (farm stays, sales, educational activities), as well as providing support for writing texts and communications.
Not to mention the data analyst approach applied to small businesses: “AI makes bureaucracy less burdensome and more focused on revenue growth.”
A new session of the project Women’s Intelligence in AI: Skills for Female Entrepreneurs and Professionals, funded by the Center for Public Impact as part of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund and promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS, begins on 28 May. The aim is to strengthen digital skills and female empowerment in the field of artificial intelligence.
Roberta Curto took part in the fourth edition of the programme, organised in collaboration with the Venice-Rovigo Chamber of Commerce, with the aim of supporting female entrepreneurs and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises in the service sector in the informed, practical and strategic use of AI technologies in the workplace [see the news item Strategies for Doing Business].
