MSU’s Parisi named SOS Children’s Villages International board chair
Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State data science specialist known across the globe for his work is now the chair of an international organization supporting children without parental care.
Domenico “Mimmo” Parisi, a professor of sociology who serves as MSU’s Data Science program’s executive director, was named chair of the board for SOS Children’s Villages International on July 1.
Originally founded in 1949 as the Societas Socialis, or SOS, in Austria, the Global Federation of SOS Children’s Villages International has supported almost 4 million youth in the last 70 years through programs adapted to contextual and cultural needs in more than 130 countries and territories. Its work strengthens families experiencing hardship and provides youth with quality care and support adapted to their unique needs, experiences and culture.
In a statement released by the organization, Parisi said he is taking on the role with “with a deep commitment to every child and young person without parental care or at risk of losing it” and will “work tirelessly to ensure no child is left without the love, protection and opportunity they deserve.”
“Our founding vision—that every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home—continues to resonate profoundly,” he said in a release. “A nurturing environment, where children can grow physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually, is not only a basic right but the foundation for a successful and fulfilling adulthood. When children are surrounded by care and stability, they are empowered to thrive, dream and pursue their fullest potential.
“This mission is not just something I believe in—it is something I have lived. As a former program participant, I know firsthand the transformative power of a loving home and a community that believes in you,” Parisi continued in the release. “My journey from growing up in an SOS Children’s Villages home to now serving as chair of the board is a testament to the impact of our work and the promise it holds for every child we serve.”
Parisi, who serves as MSU’s senior advisor for European and data science development, helped found NSPARC, the university’s socioeconomic data science research center, in 1998. Twenty years later, he was selected by Italy’s prime minister to serve within the labor department and build a new workforce system based on his work in the Magnolia State. Parisi continues to work within MSU’s Office of the Provost to expand the global relations of the university and promote interdisciplinary activities aimed at advancing the university’s trifold mission of excellent teaching, research and service.
To learn more about MSU’s Data Science Academic Institute, visit www.datascience.msstate.edu.
SOS Children’s Villages International is available online at www.sos-childrensvillages.org.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.