Trogolo's subsequent work for the United Nations took her to places that included Afghanistan, Bolivia and Vienna.
"I loved my job ... until I took a flight from London to NYC and a gorgeous Kiwi boy sat next to me. We've been together ever since."
Two years of long-distance love eventually saw Trogolo move to New Zealand, where she started working for Fairtrade. Her new role sees her managing the company's Producer Support projects and working on identifying sustainable business opportunities in New Zealand for these producers.
"At the moment it feels I have as many days at our office in Auckland, as I do working overseas. In February, I'll spend a couple of days in Tonga to support a project we are carrying out with a vanilla growing community in Vava'u, then I'll spend a week at our office in Melbourne, then another week in Bangalore, India, where I'll meet our international team."
Trogolo was recently appointed a board member on the Council of International Development, an umbrella agency of international development organisations in New Zealand.
"I like to consider myself a global citizen, committed to taking action in support of the world's poor however I can. Through our work, as well as through the choices we make on a daily basis, we can choose to engage with dedicated organisations, campaigns or causes working toward the end of extreme poverty by 2030."
MARIA'S ESSENTIALS
I am obviously a huge Fairtrade supporter, so I always choose brands that offer Fairtrade Certified products. I appreciate the efforts they make to make a difference and have a positive impact on the life of the poor.
I relax playing with my girls and my husband. In New Zealand there is always a new beach to visit or trampoline venue to explore.
I love cooking for the family. It's my daily "me" moment. My family is originally from Italy, so sandwiches in front of the TV would never be considered a proper meal.
Sitting at a cafe and drinking Fairtrade coffee always puts a smile upon my face and is the inspiration I need for a great day. One of my local cafes, Kokako in Grey Lynn, sources its coffee from Fairtrade-Certified farmers, including Highlands Organic Agriculture Cooperative (HOAC) in Papua New Guinea.
I order my trim flat white and smile at the thought of the people who grew the cherries, picked them, washed them and dried them, and who have no clue of the difference between a latte or a cappuccino.
I try to fit in yoga and pilates as much as possible, but running after my two little ones is usually more exercise than I bargain for on any other day. I also cannot wait for an F45 gym to open in Auckland, as I love a quick workout. They have them in Australia.
I am passionate about my family and raising kids who care. I'd like to know my girls are going to grow up to be compassionate beings with a clear instinct for justice, and to feel empowered to be part of the solution.
Once the girls are asleep, my husband, Simon, and I catch up on Homeland, House of Cards or Orange is the New Black.
My favourite indulgence would be chocolate. I eat a lot of chocolate, and now we have so many Fairtrade-Certified options that there is a never-ending supply of them at the office and home.
My mum used to work for Revlon and has taught me to cleanse, tone and moisturise since I was 16.
I have just read Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones, an amazing New Zealand author who was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2007 for this novel.
- VIVA
