Meet Alessia Sebillo, EASPD’s new Head of Knowledge and Innovation. She comes from the vibrant city of Naples in Italy and has been living in Brussels for 13 years now. She specialises in education for vulnerable groups, networking and trying new restaurants around the city!

At EASPD she will lead our work on one of our three important pillars – innovation. Alessia will lead our work on the creation, exchange and use of knowledge and innovation from within and outside of our membership to promote services being more person-centred.

What motivated you to join EASPD?

Alessia: EASPD’s commitment and work in Social Economy.

My career and personal life choices, both, are centred around it. I have worked for 10 years in Social Economy in the EU and it’s no longer just my job but has become my way of life.

How do I incorporate this in my way of life?

By choosing to be a rational consumer every day and being conscious of the products I purchase.

So, when I read through the EASPD job opening, I just knew I had to apply. The organisation’s values and mission align strongly with mine. This clubbed with the knowledge exchange between different services across Europe and beyond, attracted me to EASPD.

Finally, we live in challenging times which makes it more important for us to decide where we place ourselves in society. Therefore, I want to continue my work at an organisation like EASPD that contributes to a better society.

What excites you the most about leading the Knowledge and Innovation team?

Alessia: Everything!

I am excited to see how I will collaborate with my team and continue growing my knowledge and supporting the sector. With almost 18 years of experience, I still I feel I have so much to learn.

On the management side, it’s a challenge for me to step into a team that knows more about the organisation, its projects and activities, than I do.

I guess it’s a good thing that I like challenges!

Why do you think innovation is important in the social services sector?

Alessia: I would like to begin with defining innovation. For me, innovation means how we can make a difference, being more impactful. This can be realised in so many ways. What is innovative to me may not be the same for you. 

There is no one way of innovating.

Diversity of services is what helps us to innovate and grow in the social services sector. I feel, visiting different countries and seeing their social systems is the best way to get inspired and to innovate. I see the potential within the EU to support the social service sector to achieve this.

In fact, EASPD facilitates peer exchange through many activities. The most important aspect of this exchange is to keep listening to what the members are looking for and to create connections wherever possible. Knowledge is out there, and it doesn’t belong to one person but to a whole community.

What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?

Alessia: The one thing I absolutely love is reading – I love classics but lately I have dedicated more time to female writers and feminist articles and essays.

When I’m not reading, I’m off to the theatre, expositions and museums. I like going to electro music concerts too!

That’s why Brussels is the perfect place for me, it has culture and is the heart of the EU!

And of course, staying true to my Italian heritage – I love food. I like cooking and inviting people home. When I feel like just eating, I go around the city exploring amazing restaurants with my wife.