Moderator:
Ms Lara Azzopardi
Nurse / Clinical Medical Device Specialist
Lara Azzopardi is a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience, specialising in Medical devices in Clinical care. A passionate health advocate, she has hosted several health-related TV programmes and Talk shows. Well-known in the Maltese media as a presenter, actress, and producer, Lara blends medical expertise with a strong presence in the performing arts and a deep passion for film.
Mr Carlo Stivala
FITA CEO/Executive Head
Carlo Stivala started his career after having studied Economia e Commercio at the University of Verona and then finalised another course at the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK. He then worked with a prominent Italian textile company for approximately six years, gaining manufacturing and management experience. He then proceeded to manage international companies offering financial services and general advisory services until he opened a digitisation company in partnership with a large German Group, which has now developed into an international franchise, and other production plants have been opened in different countries.
Carlo’s journey was complemented by yet another challenge in his career with the opportunity of leading FITA – The Foundation for IT Accessibility, which is a fully Maltese Government-owned foundation which offers IT services to promote accessibility and inclusivity. FITA has developed its activity, with 40 employees and creating new departments to offer a variety of services, reaching out to persons with disabilities and vulnerable persons.
Carlo is very active and involved in several business activities worldwide, so there is little space for hobbies; however, he enjoys travelling and quality family time.
Mr Joseph Vella
FITA Assistant ICT Director
Joseph Vella is a visually impaired IT professional with over 27 years of experience in the technology sector. While his background is rooted in mainstream IT, for the past seven years, he has been actively engaged in the field of assistive technologies. His lived experience, combined with extensive use of screen-reading software, has shaped a deep understanding of digital accessibility.
Joseph plays a key role in conducting web accessibility audits, advising individuals with alternative requirements, and contributing to strategic decisions at the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA). Outside of his professional work, he enjoys playing musical instruments, homebrewing, and sailing.
Mr Owen Zahra
FITA ICT Director
Owen Zahra holds a background in Management, Computing, and Assistive Technology, and is currently pursuing further studies in Cybersecurity.
For the past three and a half years, he has worked at FITA, and he is currently the ICT Director, where he manages all departments with a focus on assistive technology procurement and assessments. Owen also brings experience in media and website design.
