Lucia Dettori was born in Parma, Italy where she spent her youth surrounded by a loud and fun-loving family of six, two sets of grandparents, and, always, a large dog.

After completing a BS in Mathematics at the University of Parma, she moved to Paris where she earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Lucia currently serves as Interim Dean in the College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University.

A passionate advocate for broadening participation in computer science, Lucia is a national leader of the CS for All movement. She is the co-founder of the Chicago Alliance for Equity in Computer Science an organization that supports implementation of computer science in all Chicago Public Schools high schools.

Lucia is passionate about the SIEF mission, and the bilingual, Reggio Emilia inspired approach to education. SIEF embodies the ideal nurturing school environment she wishes her multi-cultural now college-age kids, Dante and Gioia, had growing up. Dr. Lucia Dettori brings enthusiasm and commitment to ensure that SIEF continues to thrive and grow to the benefit of many more Chicago families.