Duilia Setacci: The Trailblazing Mother of Justice Smith and a Tech Visionary

When we talk about figures who have quietly but significantly shaped their fields and families, Duilia Setacci stands out as a remarkable woman. Best known in the public eye as the mother of Hollywood actor Justice Smith, Duilia’s own journey is an inspiring tale of ambition, intelligence, cultural richness, and innovation. Her story spans continents—from Italy to the United States—and her influence is evident not only in her children’s accomplishments but also in her own pioneering work in the tech and education sectors.
This comprehensive article delves into every aspect of Duilia Setacci’s life: Who is Duilia Setacci, her age, background, relationship with Wayne Smith, her father’s influence, and her crucial role in Justice Smith’s life and success.
Who is Duilia Setacci?
Duilia Setacci is an Italian-American entrepreneur, software innovator, educator, and philanthropist. Her identity has recently drawn more public attention thanks to her son, Justice Smith, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”, “Detective Pikachu”, and Netflix’s The Get Down.
Yet, Duilia is more than just the parent of a celebrity. She is a trailblazer in her own right—founding a tech startup, leading educational initiatives, and being a part of sustainable technology solutions. Her life represents a unique blend of traditional values and modern vision.
Early Life and Background
Duilia Setacci was born on March 15, 1978, in Rome, Italy. Her Italian heritage deeply influenced her upbringing and values, particularly a strong emphasis on family, education, and discipline. From a young age, Duilia displayed an aptitude for learning—especially in the fields of math and computer science.
Her father, whose name has not been widely publicized, is reported to have been a mathematics professor in Italy. His influence on Duilia was profound, instilling in her the importance of logic, problem-solving, and academic excellence. While her mother was a homemaker, she was also artistically inclined, giving Duilia a dual appreciation for structure and creativity.
Education and Career
After completing her early education in Italy, Duilia moved to the United States in pursuit of higher education. She earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, likely during the late 1990s or early 2000s, from a U.S.-based university.
Her academic success transitioned into an impactful career. Duilia founded Duivision Productions, a tech company based in Anaheim, California. Her firm specialized in software solutions for education, entertainment, and sustainable practices. She collaborated with international organizations to implement digital tools in underserved schools and was part of a think tank for green technology initiatives.
Her entrepreneurial excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she received the Global Innovator Award, and shortly thereafter, she was named one of Forbes’ Top 100 Influential Women in Technology. These accolades are testaments to her dedication to making technology accessible and impactful.
Personal Life: Duilia Setacci and Wayne Smith
Duilia married Wayne Smith, an African-American businessman with a passion for arts and finance. Their union is a symbol of cultural harmony—merging Italian and African-American values into a nurturing family environment.
The couple has nine children, one of whom is the well-known actor Justice Smith. Their parenting philosophy was grounded in discipline, creativity, and openness. Both Duilia and Wayne are known to have artistic backgrounds—Wayne in music and finance, and Duilia in theater and visual arts during her early years.
This rich artistic environment helped foster Justice Smith’s talents from an early age.
Justice Smith and His Relationship with Duilia Setacci
Born on August 9, 1995, Justice Smith is the most publicly recognized member of the Setacci-Smith family. He credits much of his success and character to his mother, Duilia. In various interviews, Justice has acknowledged that both of his parents were instrumental in his development—not just as an actor, but as a human being.
Duilia’s multicultural and multidisciplinary background gave Justice a unique outlook on life. She encouraged him to read, explore the arts, and remain humble and curious. Her support remained unwavering even as he ventured into the unpredictable world of acting.
In 2023, Duilia was seen on the red carpet with Justice at the “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” premiere, a rare but celebrated public appearance that showed their close bond.
Public Appearances and Privacy
Despite her growing recognition, Duilia Setacci remains a deeply private individual. She rarely appears in public events and avoids media attention unless it involves her children. Her social media presence is limited, reflecting her preference to let her work and family speak for her.
However, her elegance and warmth were on full display during public appearances with her son, making it clear that she is both supportive and proud of his achievements.
Values and Legacy
Duilia’s life is built around three core pillars:
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Family: A devoted wife and mother of nine, her parenting has shaped well-rounded, compassionate children.
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Innovation: Through her tech company and educational outreach, she has left a mark on the world of digital learning and sustainable software.
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Empowerment: She is an advocate for women in STEM and supports initiatives that bring girls into science and technology sectors.
Her story resonates with immigrant resilience, motherly dedication, and professional excellence.
The Influence of Her Father
Though little public information is available about Duilia Setacci’s father, his role in her life has been deeply formative. A professor of mathematics in Rome, he passed on not just knowledge but also discipline, ethics, and a love for problem-solving. It is believed that his analytical thinking greatly influenced Duilia’s path in computer science and systems design.
Summary and Reflection
Duilia Setacci exemplifies the modern woman—intelligent, nurturing, accomplished, and grounded. While many know her as the mother of Justice Smith, her personal achievements deserve equal recognition. From Italy to California, from educator to tech entrepreneur, from mother to mentor—her journey is rich with lessons in perseverance, innovation, and love.
She stands as a role model not only for her children but also for countless women and immigrants navigating the complex terrains of identity, career, and motherhood.
Final Note
As Duilia Setacci continues to live a life of purpose and privacy, her story deserves to be celebrated more widely. She has inspired her children, especially Justice Smith, to rise to stardom with grace and integrity—and she has done so while remaining grounded in her values.
For more inspiring stories and deep-dive biographies like this, visit our blog site Mating Press, where we honor individuals making a quiet but powerful impact on the world.