Women in AI: Francesca Grassi discovers the technology’s potential in the workplace
Some approach artificial intelligence with enthusiasm, whilst others are initially cautious. Francesca Grassi falls into the latter category. “Due to my character and the nature of my work, I tend to be suspicious of new technologies,” she explains. Yet it is precisely this caution that has driven her to explore, understand and experiment with new digital tools through the Women’s Intelligence in AI programme.
The project, promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale and supported by the Centre for Public Impact as part of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, supports female entrepreneurs, professionals and workers in developing strategic skills to use artificial intelligence in an informed, critical and responsible manner.
For Francesca, taking part in the programme was not merely a personal choice. Caterina del Bianco, a member of the board of directors of Comi Spa (Compagnia Alberghiera Italiana), a long-established Florentine company active in the tourism and property sectors, also took part in the training alongside her. This involvement reflects the company’s desire to understand the opportunities offered by AI and to support internal innovation processes with greater awareness.
Today, Francesca is responsible for management coordination, contract management and corporate relations. A role that requires precision in documentation, organisational skills and attention to information management. In this context, continuous training in digital technologies becomes essential: relying on technicians and specialised professionals for systems management is important, but it is equally necessary for everyone to develop skills and awareness in the daily use of digital tools, not least to prevent risks related to data security and the protection of company information.
The interview
Francesca, what prompted you to undertake a training course on artificial intelligence?
“I mainly deal with contract management, corporate relations and management coordination. By nature and given the nature of my work, I tend to view new technologies with caution. However, I felt the need to really understand what artificial intelligence was and what impact it could have on our work. I wanted to acquire the tools to assess its risks and opportunities with greater awareness. I believe it is important for everyone in the company to develop skills and awareness in the use of digital tools, not least to avoid introducing risks or critical issues into the day-to-day management of our work”.
How was your experience on the course?
“It was a very comprehensive course, successfully combining theory and practice. I followed the modules of the ‘Google AI Essentials’ online course on Coursera, which I found very clear and useful for exploring the various aspects of AI. At the same time, we took part in live sessions with experts such as Massimo Marzocco, who managed to make complex topics accessible and concrete, partly through highly engaging practical exercises.”
Which aspects or tools impressed you the most?
“For me, it was very important to understand that artificial intelligence shouldn’t simply be used as a search engine. One of the most useful lessons from the course was learning to work with specific sources and documents uploaded directly by us. This way, the answers are more reliable and the analysis work can be sped up without losing control or accuracy. The topic of prompting was also fundamental: I learnt that the quality of the responses depends heavily on how the queries are formulated and the context provided to the tool.”
How has your relationship with artificial intelligence changed since the course?
“I now use it in a much more informed way. Above all, the training gave me the tools to use it responsibly: I have understood the importance of protecting sensitive data, privacy and copyright. It is a continuous learning process, but I now feel I have a solid foundation on which to build my working method.”
Francesca’s story shows how training can help transform initial mistrust of artificial intelligence into a greater awareness of its potential. But it also highlights another key aspect: innovation is not just about introducing new tools, but about organisations’ ability to develop a digital culture, responsibility and widespread skills.
With “Women’s Intelligence in AI”, the Fondazione Mondo Digitale continues to invest in skills development as a lever for inclusion, innovation and active participation in the future of work.
