Martina Dei Cas is responsible for Communication and Promotion at Trentino Sviluppo, and we at Sartori Ambiente had the pleasure of meeting her during the ergonomics certification process for our new container – UrbaE.
Martina, first of all, thank you for your time! We would love to hear a bit more about you.
I grew up in Ala, the “Velvet City,” in Vallagarina, where I still live today. In 2015, I earned a degree in European and Transnational Law from the University of Trento, writing my thesis on comparative criminal law regarding gender violence legislation between Italy and Latin America. The following year, I completed a master’s degree in “Women’s Leadership” at SDA Bocconi – School of Management.
I am a journalist and work in media relations for Trentino Sviluppo, the provincial agency for business and territorial development in the Autonomous Province of Trento. In 2010, I was awarded the title of “Alfiere del Lavoro” (Champion of Work) by the then President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. Receiving this honor from his hands at the Quirinale remains one of the greatest emotions of my life and that of my parents, who sacrificed a lot to provide me with as many educational, cultural, and personal growth opportunities as possible.
For nearly ten years, during my high school and university studies, I volunteered in after-school programs to support the integration of vulnerable children and teenagers in my hometown. This experience convinced me that education is the most valuable investment we can make as a society for our future. And when I talk about education, I don’t just mean grammar and math—although they are important—but shaping individuals who are aware of their rights, duties, and self-worth.
With this conviction in mind, I traveled to Central America, where my international volunteering experiences inspired my novels:
📖 “Cacao Amaro” (2011)
📖 “Il quaderno del destino” (2015)
Thanks to reader support, I launched the project “A Book for a Library”, which provides educational materials to children and teenagers in rural Nicaragua, helping them continue their studies and fight for their dreams. This initiative was awarded in the first edition of the contest “Strike – Stories of Young People Changing the World” by the Autonomous Province of Trento.
📽️ From “Il quaderno del destino”, a short film of the same name was made in Central America, winning awards at:
🏆 Premios Latino – the Latin American film festival in Marbella, Spain (2018)
🏆 International Children’s Film Festival – Guanajuato, Mexico (2019)
From a journalistic investigation in Guatemala in 2019, I wrote “Angelitos”, a book sponsored by the International Cooperation Center of Trento and Amnesty International Italy. It tells the true story of Angelito Escalante, a twelve-year-old kidnapped from school and murdered by a gang for refusing to join them.
Your articles, books, and projects tell stories of inclusivity, justice, and resilience, which have resonated deeply with us. If we could support one of your initiatives, which one would it be?
I would definitely be grateful if you could symbolically join me #onAJourneywithAngelito. As Angelito’s father, Luis, told me, spreading his story means ensuring that this brave child, who sacrificed his life to resist gang violence, is not killed again—not just by criminals or by a state that failed to bring justice, but also by oblivion.
When I first started talking about gangs in Italy, hardly anyone was discussing the issue. Today, unfortunately, gangs have even reached local newspaper headlines. I believe it is our responsibility as adults not only to worry or criticize but to offer children and teenagers concrete alternatives. We must help them understand the consequences of joining a gang and instead encourage activities that nurture their talents.
Another issue very close to my heart is the inclusion of people with disabilities. Many people fear being intrusive or saying the wrong thing, which perpetuates outdated stereotypes that could easily be dismantled. That’s why I enjoy collecting, writing, and sharing stories that challenge victimizing narratives.
For example, my colleagues at ProM Facility in Polo Meccatronica, Rovereto, use 3D printing to create:
♿ Educational materials for people with visual impairments
♿ Mobility aids for individuals with rare diseases
Our last question concerns the project that directly involved us.
At Sartori Ambiente, being part of the circular economy, we have developed a design thinking approach—a people-centered model that integrates analytical and creative skills. By involving multiple stakeholders, we have worked to improve solutions for people’s benefit.
💡 Do you think this approach is essential for expanding networks and contributing to the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals?
Absolutely. We often hear about Agenda 2030, the United Nations, and the European Union, and while these initiatives seem important and necessary, they can also feel distant and complex. But that’s not true.
I firmly believe that each of us can and should do “everything little we can” to leave the world better than we found it. Policies risk becoming mere statements of intent, framed in prestigious offices, unless we bring them to life in our daily actions.
🌱 Speaking of the environment, how often do we leave the office with the lights still on?
It seems like a small thing, but sometimes doing our part is easier than we think. All it takes is a little effort.
Regarding your project, what I appreciated most about the design thinking process for your new door-to-door waste collection system is that you prioritized the well-being of sanitation workers when designing new containers.
I believe true circular economy should leverage innovation and technology while always keeping one ultimate goal in mind:
✅ Improving people’s quality of life—including waste collectors, who may not have a glamorous job, but whose work is essential for the well-being of society as a whole.
Thank you, Martina, from all of us! Since we know you love books and coffee, we look forward to welcoming you for a chat over a cup of coffee.
I’d love that! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! ☕📖