Beatrice M. Spadacini
Independent Journalist
Strategic Communications, Advocacy
Focus areas: Public Health, Social Justice, International Development
Nice to meet you! I am a storyteller, a content creator and a strategic communications and advocacy professional. I am passionate about telling stories that highlight our shared humanity and lead projects that promote a more just and equitable world.
As a strategic communicator, I have worked with many mission-driven 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 Truthdig, the Fulcrum, the Christian Science Monitor, Sojourner Magazine, The Guardian, Il Corriere della Sera, The East African, La Voce di New York and Internazionale weekly. In 2024, two of my stories published in Truthdig received an Eppy Award for digital journalism.
I am a certified yoga teacher (200 HRS YA), 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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By helping others, we help ourselves
Doing away with the Agency for International Development (USAID) is not about saving U.S. taxpayer’s money. It is about eradicating an ideology. Fulcrum, February 2025.
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Bird Flu and the battle against emerging diseases
Avian Influenza is spreading rapidly among dairy and poultry farms across the United States. Article explores what is at stake for public health. Fulcrum, January 2025
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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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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)