Cecilia Polizzi, founder of CRTG Working Group. (Credit: Courtesy of CRTG Working Group)
Combatting the Radicalization of Children
Cecilia Polizzi created CRTG Working Group to help prevent the exploitation of children by terrorist and extremist groups.
In 2018, Cecilia Polizzi took a decade of experience in international security policy and directed it toward the study of how children become swept up into extremist groups. She was particularly influenced by her work with a UN expert on the role of youth within ISIS during the ongoing Syrian civil war. Over the last six years, Polizzi’s nonprofit organization – CRTG Working Group – has identified the ways that conflict zones create precarious living conditions, which lead to a lack of socioeconomic opportunities and can pave the way for violent, extremist actors to attract young recruits. Polizzi also studies how the landscape for recruiting has widened in recent years through “an online ecosystem that provides jihadists and right-wing extremists with fertile ground for propagating violent narratives.” Today, the Rome-based founder is proud to be running an organization that is committed to making the world a better and safer place.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We do pioneering and innovative work and have different ways of thinking about problems in the counter-extremism and violent extremism community. We address terrorism by saving lives, and I think that it’s quite extraordinary.
Our organization garners strong credentials and endorsements from eminent figures within international relations. Our governance and advisory bodies include distinguished leaders, experts and advisors drawn from influential governmental agencies and intergovernmental organizations, such as the United States Department of State and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Rooted within the United Nations framework, we have dedicated the past five years to championing its principles and objectives. We are, sought after for our contributions to shaping pivotal areas of policy making, including security, counter-terrorism, PCVE (preventing and countering violent extremism) and human rights.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Everything in life is a reflection of the choices we make, and I’m proud of some of the choices I’ve made so far. Building my company is one of them. As for my biggest success, I am still working on it. I do not count the progress I’ve made so far, because I always raise the bar for myself, and I am more interested in what I will be doing tomorrow, rather than what I did yesterday.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
My greatest challenge has been the task of building an organization from scratch, much like David facing Goliath armed with only a stick. It requires the courage to embrace one’s uniqueness, to persevere despite the odds, and to forge ahead even on an often uncertain path.
It is very difficult to start a company – and quite painful. Elon Musk described it well when he said that creating a startup is like eating glass and staring into the abyss. If you go into it thinking it’s going to be just fun, you’ll be disappointed. There are many challenges, and I think it would be unfair to point to only one. A big mountain and a small mountain weigh the same when you try to move them with your bare hands.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Have the courage to go after what you imagine.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
Inspiration is not guaranteed every day; it’s not a given. There are many moments when we find ourselves navigating tasks feeling uninspired. However, understanding that these challenges are a natural aspect of the journey is crucial. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a step back, to pause, reflect, and prioritize oneself.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
I have a very eclectic taste in music. I often find myself listening to solfeggio frequencies while working, as they help improve my focus.
Who is your most important role model?
I have been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to encounter and learn from numerous strong female leaders. These inspirational figures have played pivotal roles in shaping my professional journey, providing invaluable guidance, inspiration and wisdom along the way.
Website: www.CRTGWorkingGroup.com
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast