L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 6 NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS The schedule flowed into the afternoon with an exclu- sive luncheon, which hosted a discussion on Bipartisanship & Civility Through Shared Heritage. The conversation b e t w e e n S e n a t o r J o e Manchin and former House S p e a k e r K e v i n M c C a r t h y , m o d e r a t e d b y j o u r n a l i s t Maria Bartiromo, focused on how the shared values of the Italian American experience, rooted in family, faith, and hard work, can serve as com- mon ground to bridge Ameri- ca's current political divides. T h e F o r u m a l s o t r e a t e d guests to the world premiere of a documentary produced by RAI Radiotelevisione Ital- i a n a , w h i c h c h r o n i c l e d NIAF's 50-year history. Addi- tionally, film screenings pre- sented the finalists for the NIAF/De Laurentiis Film Prizes, celebrating the next generation of Italian and Ital- ian American storytellers. The day culminated in the sold-out black-tie 50th A n n i v e r s a r y A w a r d s Gala. Co-hosted by Maria Bartiromo and entertainer Joe Piscopo, the evening was a tribute to Italian excellence across multiple fields. The event honored distinguished Italian and Italian American leaders, who were welcomed on the red carpet by journal- ists and attendees, before making their way to the main r o o m , w h e r e t h e m e s s a g e f r o m N I A F P r e s i d e n t a n d CEO Robert Allegrini came loud and clear. "This Golden A n n i v e r s a r y c e l e b r a t i o n underscored the vital impor- tance of the US-Italian rela- tions and our organization's r o l e a s a c u l t u r a l b r i d g e between our nations, which is now stronger than ever." The Gala drew an extraor- dinary delegation from the Italian government, affirming the deep bilateral partner- ship; the high-level atten- dance included Hon. Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies; Minis- ters Hon. Daniela Santanché and Hon. Luca Ciriani; and H.E. Marco Peronaci, Ambas- sador of Italy to the United States. In a symbolic choice that underscores the deep connec- tions between NIAF and the heart of Italy, the Region of Lazio, home to Italy's capi- tal, was selected as the offi- cial Region of Honor for the Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala Week- end. The gala highlighted its cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and economic d y n a m i s m a s a p o w e r f u l symbol of Italy's enduring influence on the global stage. The importance of this desig- nation was reflected in the a t t e n d a n c e o f F r a n c e s c o R o c c a , P r e s i d e n t o f t h e R e g i o n o f L a z i o , w h o a d d r e s s e d t h e a u d i e n c e focusing on the region's com- mitment to fostering strong cultural and institutional ties between Italy and the United States. The evening culminated with the presentation of the NIAF Dea Roma Special A c h i e v e m e n t A w a r d s , honoring leaders who define Italian excellence and inno- vation. John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., and Chairman of Fer- rari N.V. and Stellantis N.V., received the Special Achieve- m e n t A w a r d a s a G l o b a l Business Leader for his lead- ership in promoting Italian business excellence world- wide. His acceptance speech perfectly encapsulated the NIAF mission: "I was born in America, with strong roots in Italy, and my life has been s h a p e d b y t h e d i a l o g u e b e t w e e n t h e s e t w o g r e a t countries. Italy gave me my roots; America gave me my wings." Elkann passionately asserted that the transat- lantic bond has "never been stronger," noting his grand- f a t h e r , G i a n n i A g n e l l i , received the NIAF award in 1986. He emphasized that the work done at his compa- nies, uniting talent and cre- ativity on both sides of the Atlantic to build global play- ers like CNH and Stellantis, embodies shared values of ambition and hard work. He a l s o h i g h l i g h t e d a m a j o r commitment, stating that Stellantis has just announced its largest investment ever here in the United States. NIAF also recognized six additional leaders for their groundbreaking work across technology, healthcare, and education: Doug Leone, Part- ner at Sequoia Capital, was h o n o r e d i n I n t e r n a t i o n a l Business for his transforma- tive role in venture capital. D r . K a t i a P a s s e r i n i , 2 7 t h President of Gonzaga Univer- sity, was honored in Academ- ic Excellence; Flavio Catta- n e o , C E O o f E n e l G r o u p , received the award in Man- agement Leadership; Roberto Cingolani, CEO & General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A., received the award in Global Defense & Security Technolo- gy; Stefano Antonio Don- narumma, CEO & General Director of FS Italiane Group, was honored in Engineering Excellence for his vision in sustainable infrastructure; Dr. Kamel Ghribi, President of GKSD/Gruppo San Dona- t o , r e c e i v e d t h e a w a r d i n H e a l t h c a r e I n n o v a t i o n , Research, and Management. The evening also featured special moments celebrating the future of the NIAF bridge, including a Lega Serie A seg- ment featuring Italian soccer legend Alessandro Del Piero and the announcement of the N I A F / D e L a u r e n t i i s F i l m P r i z e s w i n n e r , t h e m o v i e Pomodoro, presented by Aurelio De Laurentiis. T h e m o s t a n t i c i p a t e d moment of the Gala was the tribute to world-renowned t e n o r M a e s t r o A n d r e a Bocelli, who received the N I A F D e a R o m a L i f e t i m e Achievement Award in Enter- tainment. Bocelli charmed the audience with a special three-song performance that served as the evening's emo- tional climax and end of the Gala, before the party moved for dessert and dancing to another room. From the high-level diplo- matic presence to the historic partnerships, the NIAF 50th Anniversary Gala was not merely a commemoration of the past, but a powerful affir- mation of the future. The cel- ebration proved that the mis- sion established five decades ago, to serve as a vital bridge between the US and Italy, is stronger and more relevant t h a n e v e r , e n s u r i n g t h e enduring power of Italian American heritage for gener- ations to come. "This Golden Anniversary celebration underscored the vital importance of the US-Italian relations and our organization's role as a cultural bridge between our nations, which is now stronger than ever" - NIAF President and CEO, Robert Allegrini CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 John Elkann also received a NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award (Photo courtesy of NIAF) Aurelio De Laurentiis on stage (Photo courtesy of NIAF)

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