We are a group of volunteers, passionate about writing on issues that matter. Our international team includes students across majors, interests and disciplines involved on a semesterly and yearly basis during our studies at JCU.
Our structure is made up of the board, which includes the president, editor in chief, and social media manager. Our members include staff writers, copy editors, layout designers, a podcast team, and special contributors.
Our team is advised and supervised by a JCU professor.
Meet the Board
Giorgia Rifaldi
President
English Literature Major, Senior
Pavia, Italy
“Shaggy from Scooby Doo once gave me cupcakes.”
grifaldi@johncabot.edu
Vittoria Maione
Social Media Manager
Political Science and Psychology Major, Junior
Napoli, Italy
“I spend most of my days watching true crime shows.”
vmaione@johncabot.edu
Caitlyn Davis
Editor in Chief
Communications Major, Junior
Stuttgart, Germany
“Buying a Boat is one of my life goals.”
cdavis@johncabot.edu
Francesca Cucuzza
Website Manager
Marketing Major, Junior
Rome, Italy
“I’m 24/7 with my earphones on, or playing background music in my head.”
fcucuzza@johncabot.edu
Copy Editors
Marilù Ciabattoni (Mary Lou)
English Literature Major, Senior
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
“I have a not-so-mild obsession with New York City.”
mciabattoni@johncabot.edu
Idone Rhodes
Undecided Major, Freshman (Visiting Student)
Newton, Massachusetts
“I’ve met the actress who plays Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which is my favorite TV show.”
Beatrice Biada
English Literature Major, Senior
Rome, Italy
“I love the sea, books and Studio Ghibli movies.”
bbiada@johncabot.edu
Ilenia Reale
Communications Major, Sophomore
Rome, Italy
“I’m obsessed with ‘Hamilton the Musical’ but I’ve never seen it.”
ireale@johncabot.edu
Silvia Valentini
English Literature Major, Senior
Marino, Italy
“When I grow up I want to be a beekeeper.”
svalentini@johncabot.edu
Our Staff Writers
Julissa Castro
Political Science Major, Sophomore
El Progreso, Honduras
“I want to go backpacking across Asia.”
Caterina Fassina
Political Science and Communications Major, Senior
Milan, Italy
“I fall asleep while listening to press releases.”
cfassina@johncabot.edu
Giulia Leo
English Literature and Communications Major, Junior
Bari, Italy
“I have a huge Harry Styles poster in my living room.”
gleo@johncabot.edu
Kitty Welsh
International Affairs Major, Junior
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“I love to ski!”
kwelsh@johncabot.edu
Arianna Zomparelli
International Affairs Major, Sophomore
Rome, Italy
“If you ever see me listening to “Cellophane” on repeat, please mind your business.”
azomparelli@johncabot.edu
Our Advisor
Professor Elizabeth Macias-Gutiérrez
Newspaper Supervisor and Editor
Torreón, Mexico
emaciasgutierrez@johncabot.edu
Graduated Members
Sabrina Italia, Staff Writer 
Greer Claybrooke, Copy Editor 
Janet Kimani, Staff Writer
Visit our contact page for updates on the roles you can apply for.
The Matthew does not cover JCU events. For news and events about our university go to What’s New at JCU.
