Women in Legal Business - Valeria Cordaro

Valeria Cordaro manages legal and compliance for UPS Italy. Before that, she spent years in Mexico working for a German company, managing legal across three distinct business cultures simultaneously: Mexican operational realities, German corporate governance expectations, and the regulatory frameworks of each jurisdiction she touched. That experience shaped a fundamental professional capability: the ability to read a new environment, understand its actual requirements rather than its surface characteristics, and adapt her legal function accordingly without losing coherence or direction.

Looking at your career path, what unique leadership trait has been most instrumental in allowing you to "move the needle" within your organization?

The unique leadership trait that has been most instrumental in my career is adaptability. Being able to adjust quickly to shifting priorities, new challenges and evolving business needs has allowed me to align legal strategy with broader company goals and remain effective in complex, fast moving environments.

This was especially true during the years I lived and worked in Mexico for a German company, where adapting to different cultures, legal frameworks and business expectations was absolutely essential. Navigating that multicultural context strengthened my ability to respond with clarity, balance and flexibility — skills that continue to guide my approach today.

My natural energy enhances this adaptability, keeping me proactive, engaged and determined even when circumstances shift. This combination has consistently helped me anticipate risks, unlock opportunities and deliver concrete, meaningful results.

Reflecting on the past year, what is the most significant positive change you have observed regarding gender equality and female representation within the upper echelons of the Italian legal market?

The most significant positive change I have observed in the past year is the increased visibility and promotion of women to senior leadership roles. There has been a concerted effort to ensure that women are not only present but are also influential in decision-making processes, which has led to a more inclusive and dynamic legal market.

How do you personally advocate for the inclusion of more women in high-stakes decision-making?

I advocate for the inclusion of more women in high-stakes decision-making by actively mentoring and sponsoring talented female professionals, ensuring they have the visibilities and opportunities and support needed to advance.

As co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Development (WLD) BRG, I work to implement policies that promote gender diversity and create an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued. This includes engaging male colleagues as allies, encouraging them to support and advocate for the inclusion of women in leadership roles and to address the main barriers to gender equity. The WLD BRG has played a key role in creating spaces for open dialogue with both men and women, as well as driving concrete actions that make our efforts truly comprehensive and impactful.

Through the WLD network, we build long term partnerships with our suppliers and give visibility to women led startups and female owned businesses. I strongly believe in the power of networking and meaningful partnerships to create real opportunities and accelerate women’s access to senior decision-making forums.

 By fostering a collaborative environment where everyone is committed to diversity, we can drive better decision-making and organizational success.

In a sector historically rooted in traditional structures, what is the single most important cultural shift still required to ensure that the Italian legal business becomes a truly meritocratic environment for the next generation of women?

The most significant cultural shift required is the dismantling of unconscious biases that continue to limit women's progress. This involves ongoing education and awareness programs to challenge stereotypes and promote a culture of meritocracy where individuals are judged solely on their skills, performance and contributions.

My involvement within UPS with WLD BRG has been instrumental in leading these efforts, organizing workshops and training sessions – internally and externally – that engage both men and women in understanding and addressing these biases. These initiatives involve both men and women, fostering shared responsibility and allyship.

And while transforming an entire organizational culture is a long-term journey, we believe that even changing the mindset of just one person represents a meaningful victory. Every individual who becomes more aware, more inclusive, and more committed to fairness contributes to a ripple effect that can reshape the entire environment.

By cultivating an ecosystem where everyone is aware of these barriers and actively working to eliminate them, we can create a truly meritocratic business environment.

Success is rarely a solo journey. How has collaboration with other women (in-house or external) influenced your approach to business, and how are you paying that forward within your team?

Collaboration with other women, and men as well, has been pivotal in my career, providing a support system and a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. The network and mentorship opportunities provided by our WLD BRG have been invaluable in this regard. I pay it forward by actively mentoring young female professionals, creating networking opportunities, and fostering an environment where women can thrive and support each other. Additionally, I encourage male colleagues to participate in these initiatives, promoting a culture of mutual support and collaboration that benefits everyone.

One "hard truth" or piece of advice for young women entering the legal profession today?

Trust yourself — yes, you can! The journey will be demanding and sometimes unfair, but your determination and talent will carry you forward. Keep your vision clear, trust your path, and push through — you belong here. Build on the legacy of the women who paved the way and use your voice to help shape a more meritocratic profession.