On March 27, 2026, Sara Natalizia, a Marketing major at John Cabot University with minors in Communications and Psychology, participated in a shadowing experience at Ecolab. Ecolab is a global leader in sustainability, providing food and water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions to over 40 industries. The opportunity was organized by the JCU Center for Career Services as part of the Women in Leadership Program.
During her visit to Ecolab’s headquarters in Rome, Sara was guided by Manuela Bianchi, Senior Communications Manager, who introduced her to the company’s mission, operations, and impact-driven approach to business.
Reflecting on the experience, Sara said: “I was particularly inspired when Bianchi said that protecting what’s vital is one of Ecolab’s core principles and its motto. Another idea that fascinated me was that the company also aims to prevent problems before they occur, showing how committed Ecolab is to foster the ecosystem.”
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was learning about the company’s origins. As Sara recalls, Bianchi explained that Ecolab’s story began in 1923, when the company founder developed a groundbreaking carpet-cleaning solution that could be used directly on carpets without requiring the hotel to temporarily shut down.
During the visit, Sara had the opportunity to meet other professionals from different departments, gaining a holistic view of the company. She was introduced to Elena Donà, HR Business Partner, who highlighted the importance of research and development within the organization.
She was also welcomed by Claudio Mezzetti, Director of Cybersecurity, who shared insights into how artificial intelligence is integrated into Ecolab’s operations. Sara noted: “It was especially interesting for me to learn the extent to which AI is connected to water, as every interaction with the AI system consumes large quantities of water.”
The experience concluded with a meeting with Nicola Coppola, Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Manager, who emphasized the importance of communication across Ecolab’s many divisions. He highlighted how no department can function in isolation, underlining the critical role of collaboration within the company.
Reflecting on the day, Sara shared: “I feel enriched by the lessons I learned at Ecolab and I will carry them with me as I make my first steps in the professional world.”
