Game Changers: Mariangela Zappia
“I always look forward, not back,” says Zappia, a philosophy that has helped her navigate the ever-evolving world of diplomacy. With roles ranging from African development and migration policies to press strategies and defense, she’s tackled a broad spectrum of global challenges.
Diplomacy is both an adventure and a lesson in patience. Two iconic women have shaped Zappia’s approach: Oriana Fallaci, the fiercely independent Italian journalist, and Angela Merkel, whose resilience and strategic thinking set a gold standard for leadership as Germany’s chancellor. Closer to home, her parents instilled a deep-rooted sense of duty—lessons in dedication from a father who served Italy as a high-ranking officer of the Carabinieri and later, in retirement, as a mediator in legal proceedings as giudice di pace, a justice of the peace—and strength from a mother who was the cornerstone of their family’s success.
“My mother provided behind-the-scenes leadership and support to me, my brother and my two sisters,” Zappia explains. “She taught us strength and determination. She was the glue of the family.”
Diplomacy remains a tough field for women, and Zappia is determined to change that. “I make a point to keep the ladder in place for other women to climb,” she says. Having lacked female mentors early in her career, she now actively guides young diplomats, ensuring that women in the field feel encouraged, supported, and empowered to push boundaries.
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” That philosophy resonates deeply with Zappia. Balancing long-term diplomatic goals with immediate demands requires intuition, vision, and, most importantly, teamwork. “It’s so much easier—and way more fun—to achieve objectives when working with a team,” she emphasizes.
For those who think diplomacy is all grand speeches and formal handshakes, think again. The process mirrors any successful business strategy: Identify the issue, set objectives, map out possible paths, craft a compelling narrative, and engage allies while managing opposition. Adaptability is key—because, in diplomacy, as in life, things rarely go exactly as planned.
Arriving in Washington in 2021, Zappia was tasked with reinvigorating Italy-U.S. relations post-pandemic. The results speak for themselves. From high-profile visits between Italian and U.S. leaders to the historic 2023 Joint Statement solidifying deeper cooperation, Italy has reinforced its strategic partnership with the U.S.
The future of Italy-U.S. relations is all about innovation. Zappia envisions stronger cooperation in digital advancements, space exploration, biotech- nology, energy, and artificial intelligence. “These are the foundations of our future prosperity,” she affirms. With a clear vision and unwavering determination, she’s ensuring Italy continues to shine on the global stage—one diplomatic breakthrough at a time.
Read GRAZIA USA’s Spring Issue featuring cover star Paris Hilton:
https://issuu.com/rfontenoy/docs/grazia_usa_-_spring_summer_2025
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