Editor: Did you cry when you heard your name announced as the winner of the New Statesman young social entrepreneur of the year for 2008?
Lily: Hehehe, no but I felt quite nervous and then when I heard my name I just went blank. I was never the award winning type at school so it was like, now I know what it felt like for such and such who got awards! I now tell this story to the young people we work with in schools and they like to hear it, it makes them think they may get an award too one day. I think there should be more awards one for everyone at least once in a lifetime.

Editor: Why do you think you won?
Lily: Hmmm, I don’t know.

Editor: Tell us about Mybnk? Is it a real bank?
Lily: MyBnk is as real a bank as need be. It is an innovative youth led banking scheme that offers a savings service and a loans service. Loans are only to be used for setting up enterprising activities. It is a tool that gives young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money effectively and to make enterprising choices in their lives.

Editor: What are your future plans?
Lily: I want MyBnk to generate a global movement of youth banking. For young people to make financial services work for them rather than against them. For them to be the first generation of informed consumers of banks who consider ethical banking when shopping for a bank that suits their needs.

Editor: You are an Italian woman living in London. Have you ever thought of setting up MyBank in Rome?
Lily: Of course, I would love to, even though getting young people running their own banks in a gerontocracy will be quite a challenge. MyBnk is exactly what Italian society needs to empower young people who are so disillusioned with unemployment and lack of opportunities.
I am saddened by the lack of youth motivation, activism and involvement, which seems to get worst every time I go home. They are becoming voiceless.

Editor: Do you think Italy will produce many more social entrepreneurs in the future?
Lily: Sure against all odds, the social entrepreneurs will emerge, always. I hope the government and civil society start creating stronger foundations to support social entrepreneurs.

Editor: Thank you Lily!