After graduating from John Cabot University in 2017 with a BA in Humanistic Studies and a minor in Art History, New York native Giulia Stasi went on to create a career centered on meaningful experiences. Now based in the Puglia region in Southern Italy, she is the founder of a women’s retreat that brings women together through reflection, community, and personal growth.
In her interview with the Alumni Office, Giulia reflects on her time at JCU, the friendships and lessons that have stayed with her, and how her humanistic education continues to inspire the work she does today.
Tell us about your time at John Cabot University.
My years at JCU were some of the most special ones of my life, and they continue to shape who I am today. Many of the friendships I formed there remain some of my closest, and those relationships continue to enrich my life in countless ways. Rome also holds a permanent place in my heart. I am fortunate to live in Italy now, so I visit often. It truly feels like my home away from home.
I studied Humanistic Studies with a minor in Art History, which, in a city like Rome, felt like a dream come true. Being surrounded by history, philosophy, and incredible works of art made every day an opportunity to learn and be inspired.
Looking back, what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during your studies at JCU?
JCU taught me the importance of studying what you truly love, cultivating meaningful friendships, and falling in love with the place where you live. It also instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for reading, learning, and immersing myself in art and culture.
Were there any professors, courses, or experiences that had a particularly strong impact on your personal or professional growth?
Studying humanistic subjects, especially 15th and 16th-century philosophy, opened both my mind and heart in profound ways. Those courses encouraged me to think deeply, ask bigger questions, and approach life with greater curiosity and compassion. They shaped the way I see the world today.
What skills developed at JCU do you find yourself using most often today?
Without question: curiosity. JCU inspired a lifelong love of learning, and I continue to pursue new educational opportunities. It also taught me to trust my instincts, embrace new experiences, and take pride in the choices I make — just as I did when I left the United States and enrolled at JCU in Rome.
Can you share the story behind founding your women’s retreat business? What inspired the idea?
Life itself was my greatest inspiration. Much of this work comes from my own personal journey and from the transformative experiences I have had through retreats that supported my own personal and professional growth.
For the past ten years, I have been hosting women’s retreats at my agriturismo (farmhouse) in Puglia, where I now live. Last year, I decided to take these retreats on the road and bring the experience to new places. I believe change is a positive force, and I have learned that this kind of work is not meant to be done alone. Women need women.
What makes your retreats unique, and what kind of transformation do participants often experience?
The foundation of every retreat is radical authenticity. The work we do can be deeply transformative, so creating a space where women feel safe, supported, and seen is essential. That is where the real magic happens.
When women come together in genuine community, they are able to reconnect with themselves and each other in meaningful ways. Creating that space for connection and growth is at the heart of everything I do.
How important are communication, networking, and cultural awareness — skills often emphasized at JCU — in building your brand and community?
They have been incredibly important. More than 20 years later, some of my closest friends are still the people I met at JCU. They come from all over the world — the United States, Europe, Cape Town, Oman, and beyond. We are a true global network of incredible people who continue to support and inspire one another. That international perspective and sense of community are among the greatest gifts JCU gave me.
If you could go back and give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
It may sound like a cliché, but it is true: life is not about the destination, it is about the journey. I would remind myself to embrace every moment, trust the process, and remain deeply grateful for this extraordinary life.
What advice would you give to current JCU students who dream of starting their own business?
Believe that anything is possible. Always ask for support when you need it, because we all deserve to receive help along the way. Community is everything: wherever you go in the world, find your tribe.
Stay curious, ask as many questions as possible, spend time in nature whenever you can, and if you deeply desire something, believe that you can make it happen.
What exciting projects or retreats are you currently working on?
I am working on many exciting projects, but the one closest to my heart is an upcoming retreat in the heart of Rome this September. I will be welcoming 11 incredible women, and I could not be more excited.
Returning to Rome, the city where so much of my own journey began, makes this retreat especially meaningful. It feels like a beautiful, full-circle moment.
