The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) celebrated its 49th Anniversary Gala on October 26, 2024, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. This glamorous black-tie event brought together over 1,000 guests, including prominent Italian American leaders, dignitaries, and special attendees from both the United States and Italy, to celebrate Italian American contributions and foster connections between the two nations.
Honoring Italian American Leaders
This year’s gala highlighted the remarkable achievements of Italian Americans in fields ranging from science and business to military service. The NIAF honored these leaders with the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Awards, showcasing the values of hard work, resilience, and dedication ingrained in their Italian American upbringing. The honorees included:
- Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D. – Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who received the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Health and Science. Dr. Bertagnolli’s work emphasizes medical research, an area where her Italian American values of service and innovation shine.
- Carlo Cimbri – Head of Unipol Gruppo S.p.A. and UnipolSai, recognized with the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact. Cimbri’s leadership reflects a commitment to sustainable business practices and supporting community initiatives.
- Admiral Lisa Franchetti – Chief of Naval Operations for the U.S. Navy, awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Military Service. Admiral Franchetti, one of the highest-ranking Italian American women in the U.S. military, serves as a powerful role model for service and leadership.
- Kevin McCarthy – 55th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, recipient of the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service. McCarthy’s work in government reflects the civic dedication that is deeply rooted in Italian American values.
- Carlo Messina – Managing Director and CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, awarded the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Business. Messina’s influence in finance highlights the strength of Italian American leadership on the international stage.
- Gina M. Raimondo – U.S. Secretary of Commerce, honored with the Leonardo da Vinci Award in Public Service. Raimondo’s dedication to economic growth and innovation reflects her deep-rooted Italian American work ethic.
Each honoree delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on how their heritage has shaped their lives and achievements.
Special Guests and Performances
A host of prominent guests attended this celebration, including U.S. Ambassador to Italy Jack Markell and Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Mariangela Zappia. Other distinguished attendees included Francesco Rocca, President of Lazio; Francesca La Marca, Italian Senator representing North and Central America; Christian Di Sanzo, an Italian Deputy; and Emmy-winning chef and host, Lidia Bastianich.
The evening was co-hosted by Maria Bartiromo of FOX Business Network and entertainer Joe Piscopo, who brought energy and charisma to the event. Lyric tenor Christopher Macchio gave a memorable performance, lending a touch of classical elegance to the night. Later in the evening, violinist Pierpaolo Foti took the stage, adding an emotional musical layer that resonated deeply with the guests.
Celebrating Friuli Venezia Giulia: 2024 Region of Honor
This year, NIAF chose Friuli Venezia Giulia as its Region of Honor, spotlighting its unique culture, history, and economic contributions. The region’s president, Massimiliano Fedriga, was present to represent Friuli, sharing insights into its rich traditions and growing global influence. Guests enjoyed a curated menu inspired by Friuli’s culinary heritage, experiencing the authentic flavors of northeastern Italy, which ranged from its celebrated wines to traditional dishes that highlight the region’s natural bounty.
A Forum of Dialogue and Reflection
Before the gala, NIAF hosted several engaging forums. A highlight was the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Luncheon, titled “Conway-Cuomo: Election 2024 Point/Counterpoint.” This spirited debate featured Kellyanne Conway, former Special Counselor to the President, and Andrew Cuomo, former New York Governor. Each shared unique views on the upcoming election, sparking discussions about America’s future. The event created a space for political dialogue, inspiring guests to consider current U.S. issues.
Anticipating NIAF’s 50th Anniversary in 2025
A gala highlight was unveiling NIAF’s 50th Anniversary logo, marking five decades of honoring Italian American contributions. The milestone celebration is scheduled for October 18, 2025, at the Washington Hilton.
Supporting the Future of Italian American Heritage
The funds raised during the gala support NIAF’s educational programs, cultural preservation initiatives, and scholarships. These efforts help foster the Italian American legacy, strengthening the bonds between the United States and Italy for future generations.
NIAF President Robert Allegrini shared his reflections on the gala’s impact. He remarked, “Our annual gala was a celebration of Italian American excellence and a testament to the enduring bonds between the United States and Italy.” He also expressed excitement in honoring distinguished individuals and showcasing the beauty of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The evening concluded with a lively reception, dinner, and an after-party, all sponsored by Campari. Guests continued to celebrate their shared heritage, connecting with others over their Italian roots.
For more information, visit NIAF.org.
