Meet the Team: Jacqueline, Roots Tourism Coordinator & Client Relations Specialist

Meet Jacqueline, ViaMonde’s Roots Tourism Coordinator & Client Relations Specialist. Prior to ViaMonde, Jacqueline’s career was in hospitality and hotel management, with extensive experience in customer service. She pursued her education at Stony Brook University, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Urban Development & Planning. 

Discovering Jure Sanguinis and a New Path

With three of her four grandparents being of Italian descent, Italian culture was a significant part of her upbringing in a predominantly Italian-American community in New York. Jacqueline first encountered the concept of jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent) in the late 2000s, though it wasn't until over a decade later when she was finally able to fully embrace the opportunity. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected turn in Jacqueline's career, leading to a furlough from work and ample free time. This period allowed her to delve into her passion for genealogy, ultimately discovering that she and her sister were eligible for jure sanguinis. This realization reignited a long-held dream of living abroad, a dream that had been sidelined by the pandemic's impact on her hospitality career. “When I realized that there was another way to move to Europe, I jumped at the opportunity.”

The Application Process: A Leap of Faith

Initially, Jacqueline attempted to secure appointments at the Boston Italian Consulate for herself and her sister, but the process proved impossible. With their ultimate goal of living in Italy, they shifted their focus to an application in Italy via residency. “It felt like a huge risk, but when we spoke with Jennifer, we knew we could trust her to be our feet on the ground.” 

Nemo

While their original plan had been to relocate to their ancestral comune (municipality) in Sicily, Jennifer's vetting revealed that it would lead to a longer processing time due to a large number of refugees immigrating to that area. Instead, Jennifer recommended a different comune in Sicily where she had established connections, and their application was happily accepted.

A Nomadic Spirit Finds Home in Italy

“Since I was a teenager, I always really wanted to travel, but not just short term vacations- a week here or a few days there. I wanted to slow travel, I wanted to live in a place and really get to know it like a local.” A self-described nomad, she spent her childhood and young adult years in New York before moving to California for ten years, and then eventually moving back to the East Coast. 

Jacqueline's move abroad was also driven by cultural and political motivations, seeking an escape from the "hustle culture" in the US that had negatively impacted her mental and physical health. “I was really burnt out. I couldn’t keep working 12+ hour days, six and sometimes seven days a week.” She desperately sought a lifestyle with a better work/life balance, something she felt unattainable in the US. “I knew it was never going to happen if I stayed.”

Joining the ViaMonde Family

After successfully obtaining Italian citizenship, Jennifer offered Jacqueline a position as her assistant. Having meticulously prepared all their documents, conducted genealogical research, and initially planned their move to Italy independently, Jacqueline was intimately familiar with the jure sanguinis process. 

“I was really excited to help others through the process that I had become so passionate about, and after a year, I can honestly say that is still true. I love the work we do, we have wonderful clients and an amazing team. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Evolving Role at ViaMonde: Coordinator & Specialist

“My role has changed so much since I first started! It’s exciting because my role keeps changing and growing as the company grows.” The one consistent aspect of her job is direct client interaction, which involves extensive email communication. She enjoys answering questions, informing clients and the broader community, to keep them updated on the ever-changing laws. 

When ViaMonde rebranded, Jennifer entrusted Jacqueline with creating the weekly newsletter, a rewarding task that has garnered significant positive feedback from subscribers, motivating her to consistently raise the bar. Additionally, Jacqueline collaborates with Brian on planning and executing roots tours, a role perfectly suited to her background in hospitality and her passion for genealogy.

"When Jennifer told us about her plans to expand the business into Roots Tourism I knew I was the right person for the job." With an increase in demand from current and former clients for Roots Tourism, ViaMonde grew to accomodate.

“Moving to Italy has truly changed my life. I’ve found my balance and the healthier lifestyle that felt like such a pipe dream back in the US. It feels surreal helping others make the leap to living life abroad.”