The “Mela d’Oro” Award: Why It Matters for Women Entrepreneurs

When it comes to celebrating female excellence in Italy, few honors carry the same weight as the Mela d’Oro —the Golden Apple—part of the prestigious Marisa Bellisario Award. Established in 1989 in memory of Marisa Bellisario, a trailblazing executive and visionary leader, this award has become a symbol of recognition for women who make a tangible impact in the world of business, science, culture, media, and management.

But what does the Mela d’Oro really represent today—and why is it particularly significant for women in entrepreneurship?

What Is the “Mela d’Oro” Award?

Presented annually by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation, the award honors women who stand out for their merit, vision, and ability to create meaningful change within their professional fields. The Mela d’Oro —a golden apple—serves as more than just a trophy. Crafted in precious metal, it embodies strength, rarity, and the refined brilliance of female talent.

The award spans a wide range of categories: management, entrepreneurship, public institutions, international relations, entertainment, journalism, and academia. Since 2017, the foundation has also begun recognizing companies that promote gender equality, through two special awards: Woman Value Company and Women Empowerment Company , in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo.

A Powerful Signal for Women-Led Businesses

Receiving the Mela d’Oro means gaining national and institutional visibility, but also joining a powerful network of women who are actively shaping the future. In a landscape where female entrepreneurship continues to face challenges—ranging from gender bias and unequal access to capital, to limited leadership opportunities—awards like this carry strategic importance. They don’t just celebrate achievements; they elevate the very model of inclusive, forward-thinking business that drives those achievements.

Recognizing a female entrepreneur isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a bold message to the broader economic system. Celebrating women-led business stories fosters a more inclusive, resilient, and competitive economy for everyone.

Spotlight 2025: Elena Moglia, Founder of MyLime

One of the standout honorees of the 2025 Marisa Bellisario Award is Elena Moglia, CEO and co-founder of MyLime. Her startup specializes in blockchain solutions for industrial traceability and Digital Product Passport management.

Born in Cremona and holding a degree in Economics, Moglia has successfully merged technological innovation, sustainability, and social impact. The award recognizes not only the quality of MyLime’s platform—now adopted by major international brands—but also the company’s commitment to inclusive business models and long-term thinking. Her story is a powerful example of how women-led innovation is transforming the industrial world from the inside out.

Why This Conversation Matters Today

As of 2025, the role of women in the economy can no longer be treated as secondary. And yet, according to the latest ISTAT data, only a small fraction of Italian businesses are led by women. In this context, the Mela d’Oro is more than a celebration—it’s a tool for validation, visibility, and inspiration.

It sends a clear message: female excellence is not an exception—it’s a standard that deserves to be acknowledged, supported, and shared. And the more we tell these stories, the more we pave the way for future generations of women ready to lead.