L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017 www.italoamericano.org 6 San Francisco Lorenzo Ortona at the Italian Consulate with repre- sentatives of the Italian associa- tions in the Bay Area. «This is not the first time I have been here since I took office in 2016», Ambassador Varricchio says when asked about the goal of his trip to Silicon Valley. «I visited the Bay Area last July but I was sure - indeed I promised - that I would be back. I believe it is crucial to support the connections with the traditional Italian community as well as with the young groups of scientists, entrepreneurs, and pro- fessionals in general. I am the Ambassador to the United States, not only to Washington of course, and the whole country is important to me». Why is San Francisco so special to the Italian communi- ty? «I would say that San Francisco is a key place for the Italian community. It represents a fast-moving environment filled with good energy coming from different souls of our community. There is a powerful collaboration between all of them: on one hand, the oldest community, who contributed to the success of San Francisco; on the other hand, we have new groups that are worth considering. This city would not be the same without the mingle with the Italian culture and peo- ple». The Silicon Valley is the area that attracts most young people from around the world, working in tech or as entrepreneurs. «Last year I visited some big compa- nies», Ambassador Varricchio recalls. «It is clear that the inter- est towards Italian expats has grown over time. Nowadays, sci- entists and entrepreneurs move here and make an individual decision when they settle down. But there are also institutions who are learning about the Silicon Valley model and want to get inspiration from it. There are many visitors from Italian uni- versities as well as local and national representatives to the Bay Area every year. We do believe in this exchange process and we want to support it. My decision to come back is both part and an extension of the same mission». Which was the biggest sur- prise during your meetings? «I found more than one rea- son to be proud of Italians living here. They showed that there is a positive relationship between people who work here and Italy as homeland. In the past, Italians came with a one-way ticket, today's generation has an active interaction with the country; they travel back and forth many times per year; they build professional and cultural connections; and they end up acting as a natural bridge between countries. This is very important for Italy because - as a country - the relationship has always existed, however nowa- days expats learn from their experiences and share their knowledge with others. That's the right way to give back to the country where you were born. Italy has a lot to say but also to listen to. This exchange will bring more opportunities to Italy, as long as everybody shows appreciation for what Italian expats do worldwide and pays attention to what they say. My advice is: let's keeps an open mind towards what the Italian communities abroad do, say, and achieve». «In this context I am glad to underline that we will have another meeting with members of the ISSNAF (Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation) in Washington in November this year», Ambassador Varricchio announces. «Surely Italy needs more action and some reforms but it is important to keep an open-minded approach. Italy has a lot to keep from the past, whereas the United States and the Bay Area are pretty young. But we can learn from the way Silicon Valley, that is a newborn reality, looks forward and puts innovation first. This is Italy's biggest challenge: to preserve history and traditions while moving on. I do believe that we can achieve this goal, also thanks to the contribution of the people I have met here». And let's not forget the cur- rent political and social chal- lenges... «The changes that happened around the world are significant. Not only the election of a new President of the United States, but also Brexit had an impact on the general feeling among expats. I think that America's greatest strength is to attract the best tal- ents from around the world. I am confident this country will keep on being a pole of attraction, however we should not take any- thing for granted. We need to pay attention to what happens around us. Italy encourages young peo- ple to do experiences abroad, to learn and grow, and eventually to go back to contribute to the country's improvement. Which is the greatest take- away from this visit? «Lots of energy, positive atti- tude, new initiatives. I want to take and share all these things with Italian representatives. I loved to see the teamwork between different groups. We are often pictured as "good solo artists" and less skilled at work- ing as a team. San Francisco offers the opportunity to work as a team, and that's something I really believe in. There are many Italians who proudly represent the country: they put together hard work, ideas, and innovation. I am happy to be here today, but I also want to say "Arrivederci" because I am willing to come back often during my mandate in Washington». Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio with California Governor Jerry Brown Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio Meets the Italian communities in the Bay Area NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Continued from page 1 Left to right: Micaela Barbagallo, Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio, Consul General in SF Lorenzo Ortona, Sheila Hanson Pierce at a reception hosted by the Consul General in San Francisco Lorenzo Ortona at the Italian Consulate with representatives of the Italian associations in the Bay Area

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