Duilia Setacci is best known as the mother of Hollywood actor Justice Smith, but her own story is one of quiet brilliance, resilience, and impact. An Italian-American entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, Setacci has spent decades empowering communities through education, sustainable technology, and mentorship.
While her son captures attention on screen, she has built a legacy behind the scenes. As a visionary woman who blends motherhood with innovation and service. From founding transformative tech initiatives to championing underrepresented voices, Duilia Setacci stands as a powerful example of purpose-driven influence beyond the spotlight.
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Quick Facts: Duilia Setacci
- Full Name: Duilia Setacci
- Heritage: Italian-American
- Profession: Entrepreneur, Educator, Philanthropist
- Known For: Mother of actor Justice Smith
- Residence: Anaheim, California, USA
- Spouse: Wayne Smith
- Children: 9, including Justice Smith
A Life Anchored in Culture and Learning
Born on March 15, 1978, in Rome, Italy, Duilia Setacci grew up in an environment steeped in intellectual curiosity and cultural depth. Her parents, both teachers, instilled in her a love for education and a belief in knowledge as a vehicle for change. These early values guided her journey, eventually leading her to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science at a top Italian university. A path not often taken by women at the time, and certainly not without its barriers.
Yet Setacci met those challenges head-on, quietly determined to craft a life that blended technical skill with human-centered impact.
The Move to America and a New Chapter
After completing her education, Duilia moved to the United States. A bold shift that opened new doors. Settling in California, she married Wayne Smith, and together they raised nine children, including their now-famous son, Justice Smith. But even as she built a family, Setacci never put her ambitions on hold.
Instead, she channeled her energy into meaningful innovation. She founded Duivision Productions, a California-based tech initiative focused on sustainability, education, and software development for institutions in need of better tools and systems. Her work helped bridge gaps between access and equity, particularly in underserved schools and communities.
Blending Tech and Humanity
Setacci didn’t just build software, she built opportunities.
Under her leadership, Duivision expanded to include environmental programs, STEM workshops for young women, and digital literacy campaigns in multiple states. Her approach was holistic, always placing people at the center of progress. She believed that education shouldn’t just inform — it should liberate. Her software tools were designed not just to solve technical problems but to equip schools, students, and nonprofits with the tools to solve their own.
This unique blend of tech and compassion garnered Setacci national attention. She received the Global Innovator Award and was listed among Forbes’ Top 100 Women in Technology, though she rarely sought the spotlight herself.
A Mother First, Always
While accolades came in quietly, Setacci’s proudest role has always been within her home.
Her son, Justice Smith, often speaks of his mother’s unwavering support and strength. Best known for roles in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, All the Bright Places, and Detective Pikachu, Justice grew up in a household where creativity and critical thinking were equally nurtured.
The Smith family, based in Anaheim, California, is described as tightly bonded. A mosaic of ambition, care, and cultural heritage. Duilia’s Italian roots often blended with American traditions in the kitchen, around the dinner table, and in the values passed down to each child.
Service Beyond Business
Philanthropy wasn’t just a side effort for Setacci, it was integral to her mission.
She launched multiple nonprofit initiatives focused on education access, women in tech, and green innovation. Her scholarship programs for young women pursuing STEM degrees have impacted lives across the U.S., and her partnerships with grassroots organizations have helped uplift entire school districts in underfunded regions.
More than 100,000 people have reportedly benefited from her programs, not just through funding, but through mentorship, skills training, and real pathways to empowerment.
No Controversy, Only Quiet Grace
Despite her proximity to celebrity through her son, Duilia Setacci has managed to maintain a life of privacy and grace. She has never been entangled in controversy or sought media attention. Her public appearances are rare, often limited to supporting her children at events, most notably accompanying Justice Smith at premieres and red-carpet moments.
Her discretion and humility have only deepened the admiration she receives from those who know her work, both within and outside her immediate circles.
Legacy: A Tapestry of Impact
What defines Duilia Setacci isn’t just her résumé, her business, or her family. It’s the way she threads them all together into a life that uplifts others.
She has shown that one can be both deeply private and powerfully impactful. Motherhood and entrepreneurship aren’t rivals; they can coexist, strengthen, and even inspire each other. That meaningful change often begins with a single person choosing to show up every day with intention.
Her legacy is still being written, not in headlines. But in lives changed, doors opened, and futures made possible.
Conclusion: The Heart of Quiet Greatness
Duilia Setacci reminds us that greatness doesn’t always look loud. It doesn’t need to dominate news cycles or social feeds. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet strength of a mother building a better world while raising children who do the same.
Her story is not just a tribute to what she’s done. It’s an invitation to reflect on what each of us can do when we lead with purpose, serve with heart, and act with integrity.
In a world racing toward recognition, Duilia Setacci walks gently, and leaves a lasting imprint.
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