Philanthropy
Learn. Earn.Return.
I believe success means more when it is shared. With my company, my community and my students, I give back to the causes closest to my heart: cancer research in Italy and animal welfare in the UAE.
My philosophy
“You learn, to earn in life and to return to others.”
— Monica Perna
For me, responsibility comes full circle. The mission of AUGE says it in four words, Your Education, Our Responsibility: share knowledge, help people grow, and give part of that value back where it is needed most.
AUGE® Your Education, Our Responsibility
- 01LearnKnowledge shared with the community, every single day.
- 02EarnValue gained in your career and in your life.
- 03ReturnValue given back to others, where it matters most.
The causes
Two countries. Two causes. One heart.
Italy · Cancer research
A leaf on the IEO Donor Tree.
This cause has very personal roots. When my mother was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, she was cared for at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, by the team of Prof. Spaggiari and Prof. De Marinis.
Since then, AUGE, the company I co-founded with Francesco Iannello, has stood by the researchers who stood by my family: over two years we donated more than €10,000 to the IEO-MONZINO Foundation, in support of its lung cancer programme.
Every year on 2 October, my mother’s birthday, I turn that memory into a message, and invite my community to support research.
- €10,000+donated to lung cancer research
- 2 Octevery year, a day for my mother
- 2023AUGE joins the IEO Donor Tree
In January 2023 the foundation gave AUGE a leaf on its Donor Tree, the wall that thanks the companies, entrepreneurs and families who support its work. AUGE’s name now sits beside Fondazione Deutsche Bank Italia, Morgan Stanley, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Fondazione Cariplo and Fondazione Ferrero.
Seeing our company’s name beside great businesses that have shaped the history of the Italian economy is a real honour. This leaf represents, above all, the support of our community and of the AUGE Method students who embraced our cause.
UAE · Animal welfare
A second chance for every paw.
In the UAE, I support the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre (RAK AWC), a non-profit organisation operating within the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate that is also home to my newest venture, AUGE® 10X.
What began over ten years ago as a small, volunteer-run rescue shelter is today a complete centre for animals: it rescues and rehomes homeless pets, cares for them in its own veterinary hospital and teaches responsible pet ownership.
- Rescue & rehomingHomeless pets from across the UAE, given a safe place and a new family.
- Veterinary hospitalMedical care, treatment and recovery under one roof.
- Trap-Neuter-ReturnA humane programme that keeps street-cat colonies healthy and stable.
- EducationProgrammes that teach children and adults responsible pet ownership.
Join me
Every leaf counts.
You don’t need a foundation to make a difference. Choose a cause, share it with someone, give what you can.
Donations go directly to each organisation, through its own website.
Speak. Grow. Build.
Get in touch“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao Tzu · Monica’s favourite line