Aurora Pinelli
Founder of Legal Change
Aurora holds an impressive academic background, having earned her double undergraduate degree in European Social and Political Studies from both Sciences Po Paris and University College London. From Sicily, she was raised in an environment marked by a rich tapestry of history, encompassing themes of domination, peaceful coexistence, migration, and the battle against the Mafia. Her professional journey has been firmly anchored in addressing critical issues such as population displacement, transitional justice, and post-conflict reconstruction. Aurora honed her expertise through an internship at the Post-Conflict Research Centre (PCRC) in Sarajevo, where she delved into the challenging realms of mass atrocities, genocide prevention, and conflict-based sexual violence. Notably, Aurora's shone through her philosophy dissertation titled "Genocide Denial and the Justification of Free Speech Restrictions," which critically argued against Srebrenica Genocide denialism. Her exceptional work was recognized with an award and publication by The Global Undergraduate Awards, a prestigious academic accolade. In addition to her academic pursuits, Aurora has been an active advocate for gender equality and the exploration of gender dynamics in the context of war, conflict, foreign policy, and security practices. Her involvement with the Women in War and International Politics (WIWIP) King's College Association demonstrates her commitment to these critical issues.
As a co-founder of the Next Chapter Project through the UN Millennium Fellowship Class of 2021, Aurora has been at the forefront of promoting intercultural dialogue and the inclusion of migrants in both Palermo and London. Her influence extends globally, as she represented Italy as a prominent young female leader at the Fora Global Summit in Toronto, where she championed gender equality alongside delegates from 25 countries. Notably, Aurora is also in the process of drafting recommendations for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Presently, Aurora is pursuing her legal education at Sciences Po Paris, where her dedication to excellence has been acknowledged with the prestigious Allen & Overy Excellence Scholarship. This recognition has empowered her to establish Legal Change, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within decision-making spaces in the legal field. Aurora's ambition knows no bounds, as she aspires to become a prominent international lawyer, further contributing to the pursuit of justice on a global scale.