Beatrice M. Spadacini
Freelance Journalist
Communications, Advocacy, Strategy
Focus areas: Global Health, One Health, Human Rights
Nice to meet you! I am a storyteller, a content creator and a strategic communications professional. I am passionate about telling stories that highlight our shared humanity and lead projects that promote independent journalism and foster a more just and equitable world.
Over the years, I have worked with many different international organizations to further programmatic goals, influence policies and behaviors, engage with communities and position critical social justice issues. As a writer, my work has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, Sojourner Magazine, The Guardian, Il Corriere della Sera, The East African, La Voce di New York and Internazionale weekly.
I am a certified children’s yoga teacher, a health coach, and a nutrition conscious Mom. When I am not writing an article, producing a podcast or managing a project, I play with clay, dance, and cook. I have a base in Silver Spring, Maryland and I spend an increasing amount of time walking on the beach in Pescara, Italy (background photo)!
SELECT ARTICLES
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Parenting from Prison
The United States has the highest female incarceration rate in the world. What does it man for mothers in prison? Sojourner Magazine July 2024
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Women don't Belong in Cages
On Mother’s Day, formerly incarcerated women and their children lead a peaceful march to Washington DC. Lacuna Magazine, June 2024
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GBV in Italy
In Southern Italy a play about Bluebeard’s Brides is questioning gender norms that fuel violence against women. Truthdig, March 2024
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The Moms vs The Multinational 2024
Mom activists in the Veneto region of Italy, have taken to court the company that polluted their water system. Truthdig January 2024.
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Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2023
This year the festival celebrated diverse American cultures through two programs: Creative Encounters and The Ozarks.
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Why Loitering on the Adriatic Seashore is the Best College Prep for my Teen Daughter
Summertime in Italy is special and may be the best place for American teens to decompress. La Voce di New York, 2023.
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Foreign Service Officers Reflect on Global Health Diplomacy.
Intimate conversations on what inspired US foreign service officers to embark on a career in global health. Afsa magazine.
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Aid Workers do you Know What Your Pension is Funding?
Some people dedicate their lives to eradicating poverty and promoting peace, but do they know what their pensions support? The Guardian, 2015.
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One Less Worry: More Rwandans than Ever Before, Are Finding Affordable Health Care Options
In in-depth look at Rwanda's National Health Care System and Commitment to Universal Health Coverage, Medium 2017.
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Banking on Freedom
An investigative story on the companies that profit from private prisons and prison services across the U.S. Sojourner magazine, 2016.
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A Service for the Rights of Detainees
An innovative service that promotes the rights of detainees inside and Italian correctional facility. La Voce di New York, 2018.
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Msafiri Magazine Kenyan Airlines
Onward and Upwards: Rwanda has come a long way since the terrible days of 1994.
SELECT PROJECTS
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Health Journalism Network
Manager of the Health Journalism Network of Internews, a global community of media professionals who cover global health.
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NCD Prevention Campaign
Team Lead for a UNICEF campaign that seeks to prevent noncommunicable diseases among young South Africans.
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Together Far Apart Podcast
Executive Producer for a United Nations podcast on local solutions to global challenges in Small Island Nations.
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One in Four Podcast
Executive Producer for two seasons of a podcast series focused on the challenges of re-entry from incarceration in the U.S.
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UNICEF Peacebuilding and Conflict Study
Tasked by UNICEF HQ to conduct a study on communication for behavior change strategies to promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
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CARE Rwanda 25-Year Anniversary
Team Lead on a project that marked 25 years of work by aid agency CARE in Rwanda. Lead writer for the publication and manager of a team of five media professionals.
MEDIA COVERAGE
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Heartcast Media, Live from She podcasts
What prompted me to start a podcast on re-entry from incarceration in the U.S.
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How to Support the Incarcerated Population in the United States
An in-depth interview on why we need to focus on supporting those who come out of prison in the U.S. and reform the justoce system
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My International Adoption Story (Italian)
How we finally obtained full legalization of my daughter's international adoption
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Adoption and Election Upheaval in Kenya
Personal reflections on post-election violence and my adoption journey
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A Guide to Strategic and Sustainable Nonprofit Storytelling
Mention and Contributor
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Tra Stati Uniti e Italia: Quelle Mamme a Metà
Italian single moms's journey into international adoption (in Italian)