by MK
All photographs courtesy of Keiron Mayora
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Serena Tonel’s turn, deputy mayor of Trieste, baker, art adorer who sees enormous potential in her hometown, Trieste.
Are you a Triestina?
Yes, born and raised. I spent a year in Germany as part of the Erasmus program during university. It was essential to my personal and professional development as it made me see the beauty of multicultural exchange.
Did you ever want to leave Trieste?
Well, I have always been open to new opportunities. Like the year in Germany or even entering politics – both of these life-changing events entered my life by chance. My family has a business in the city so I have always been rooted in Trieste. When I was offered an opportunity to enter politics my relationship with Trieste became even stronger. Of course, now I don’t think about moving away but I have traveled a lot in the past.
What was your major at University?
I studied medicine in my freshman year but quickly understood that it was a bit limiting, so I switched to law.
You give an impression of being a straight-A student.
Well, I liked studying (laughs-ed.). I never wanted to be a lawyer; when I was a little kid, I had a dream of becoming a notary. But a law degree was going to be useful for working in my family’s business and then mandatory for my career in politics.
Did your family want you to keep working in their company?
Yes, my dad is still waiting for me to come back (laughs- ed.).
Are you an only child?
No, I have a younger sister who majored in biology.
How did you end up in politics?
By chance. My good friend, now the president of the region, was passionate about politics from when we were 11 years old and went to the same school together. His passion for politics was contagious; so much so that when in 2008 there was a possibility of entering the scene, I said yes. The rest is history. Of course, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, dedication and tenacity to keep doing what I do. And a little bit of sacrifice, of course.
Would you say you’ve found your way?
I think yes. I love trying to build a better future for the city I was born in – I feel a strong sense of responsibility towards Triestini – and I see it as my life’s mission.
Apart from being a deputy mayor, you’re also a counselor with delegation for theaters.
Yes, actually this role was designed specifically for me. In fact, I’m the only counselor in Italy with this specific delegation. The reason is simple – Trieste has many theaters and each one of them is unique, so this delegation was meant to give more value to the cultural heritage our city has. Trieste’s audience is very educated and well-prepared and Trieste’s culture scene has a lot on offer.
What’s your favorite place to go in Trieste?
I go to theaters all the time as I’ve always loved music and performances. There’s always something to see in Trieste, even in Slovene or Triestine dialect. Trieste’s spirit is that of a multicultural city, full of light and vivacity and that’s why I’m in love with it. The fact that many people want to move here proves that there must be something magical about our city.
Do you speak Triestino?
Yes, at home we speak strictly in dialect. But it doesn’t feel natural to use it in the work place.
How would you define a true Triestine character?
Saba used to say that Trieste has a surly grace and I think that defines Triestini well. We can be distrustful at first, but once you get to know us we are very welcoming. We love our city and we love promoting it. There’s also the tendency to stay inside one’s comfort zone, meaning Trieste. We have a very high quality of life here so many never want to leave.
You mean Triestini don’t like traveling?
On the contrary, we love discovering the world. I was just joking with my friend the other day saying everywhere you go you’ll meet a Triestine. I remember on New Year’s Eve back in 2002 I was in Manhattan and right after midnight I saw my school friend wandering around. I hear Triestine dialect in all airports. Triestini have always been travelers, but we love coming back home.
In Trieste you can go from the sea to the mountains in under 2 hours.
I love both. Another thing we say about Triestini is that they sell skis in springtime to buy a boat. And it’s true, we adore nature and spending time in it.
Do you as well?
I love the sea as well as the mountains. I often go for long walks in Carso on weekends, which helps me clear my mind.
What else are you passionate about?
I love visiting art galleries, taking long walks on Napoleonica trail. I adore reading – I read a lot. Oh, and I am fond of baking.
Wow. Cakes?
Everything, really. Over Christmas, I bake around 300 gingerbread cookies and give them away as presents to friends and family. I love cooking as it relaxes me. I put on some music – classical or pop, and cook away.
What’s your favorite dish to make?
Lasagna with asparagus.
And to eat?
Hands down, gnocchi di susine.
It seems most people own a dog in Trieste. Do you?
I have a dog, but I left it at my parents’ place because they have a garden. But the truth is, I am at work from 8 am until 11 pm and I can’t take care of her as much as I wish I could.
That’s really late. Does it get tiring?
Well, yes, but I have big responsibilities. Besides being the deputy mayor of Trieste I’m also the head secretary of the region’s president. When I finish here, I walk to the Region, and yes sometimes I finish around midnight.
That’s impressive. Would you say you’re an ambitious person?
Absolutely not. Everything in my life always came naturally to me. But I guess I was good at seizing the opportunities I was given. I’m always so busy resolving problems that come up hour after hour that sometimes I don’t have time to sit down and think about the impact my actions have had on the city in the past years. Often weeks just fly by. But I love what I do, and I’m convinced that Trieste has incredible opportunities. And perhaps the problem of Triestini is that they don’t understand how many opportunities there are in our city. I think we tend to take things for granted.
Future plans?
To continue doing the best I can for the city of Trieste. Oh, and I’m excited about going to Salone del Libro in Turin to represent our region.
