L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 www.italoamericano.org 30 L'Italo-Americano A t their recent 55th Biennial Convention in Sarasota, Florida, the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® (OSDIA) elected Vera Ferrara Girolami of San Jose, California, as OSDIA's 36th National President, only the sec- ond woman National President to ever be elected. In attendance to install Vera as President on this momentous occasion, was OSDIA's first woman National President, Joanne L. Strollo. "It is with great happiness that I relinquish the word 'only' to my sister Vera," Joanne said. "She has the attribut- es to be President, and she just happened to be a woman." Miles Ryan Fisher, Editor-in- Chief of Italian America® Maga- zine, said, "This also marks the first time in OSDIA history that women held the two top positions in the organization, which fitting- ly coincided with the decision to officially change the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) name to Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). "Mrs. Girolami will lead the oldest and largest national organi- zation of men and women repre- senting the estimated 26 million Americans of Italian heritage, dedicated to promoting our cul- ture, our traditions, our language, the legacy of our ancestors, and our contributions to the U.S. and the world. OSDIA is known for the philanthropy of its Sons of Italy Foundation. John Costa, California Grand Lodge President, shared the fol- lowing: "Vera Girolami was born in Ohio to Sicilian parents. She moved to California at the age of nine. She attended Catholic schools and was the first of a class of 14 women to attend Santa Clara University. Vera has been married to Judge Al Girola- mi for 58 years and they have two children and five grandchildren. "Vera joined the Sons of Italy in the early 1980's, and soon became president of the Modesto Lodge. In 2005, she became the first woman president in the his- tory of the Grand Lodge of Cali- fornia. "She is a tireless worker and is passionate towards the Order. Being a retired surgical nurse, she will heal you. Being a retired banker, she will keep the finances in order. Being a retired pianist, she will bring you musical joy. And, being married to a judge, you can be assured we will be in CATHERINE ACCARDI Vera Ferrara Girolami – National President of the Sons & Daughters of Italy as many Grand Lodges as I can. Every invitation received, either in the National Office or at my home will be acted on. So, if you would please put me on your newsletter list and advise me of your important functions and events, I will try to attend, or send someone in my stead. "And so here I stand, ninety- two years after my dad took that single step, and look where it has led! I am sure he would be proud of what I have accom- plished. "God bless the Sons & Daughters of Italy and God bless and protect America. Thank you for this incredible honor. Fraternally and with love, Vera." Vera Ferrara Girolami at the California Grand Lodge Convention. Photographs courtesy of Nickolas Marinelli SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY compliance with the law." Vera's acceptance speech reads in part: "A Chinese proverb begins: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' This was my father, Salvatore Ferrara, when at the age of 18 he took that single step, left this tiny Sicilian village called Rodi-Mili- ci, in the Province of Messina, above Taormina, and began his arduous journey to America. And look what that one step accom- plished! Dad got a job, he was a shoemaker, went to night school, and became a citizen. "His journey led him to Ohio, where he met my mother, Paoli- na Ferrara whose family, by the way came from that same tiny village of Rodi-Milici. After the Bishop declared they were not related, they were married on Thanksgiving Day 1938. "My sister and I were born in Ohio and our journey led our family to California, where another daughter was born. Family, Italian customs, tradi- tions and food, were central in our upbringing. Dad drilled in us the importance of faith, family, education, remembering our Ital- ian roots and giving back to our community. He instilled in us traditions and values we will remember and treasure. He made us promise never to forget what he went through to get to Ameri- ca. "Although I am the second woman to be elected to the posi- tion of National President, past National President Joanne Strollo served as the first woman in 1993. Judge Al Girolami will be the first First Gentleman of the National Sons & Daughters of Italy! "Special thanks to the Grand Lodge of California officers members and friends for their support, and those National Offi- cers and past National Presidents who were constantly encourag- ing me. "Now I stand before you, a daughter of immigrants, as your National President. It is such an honor and so humbling. I promise to never forget my fami- ly's beginnings, nor my father's words to always give back to this amazing country we are so fortu- nate to live in. "Our goals will include: growth of OSDIA through mar- keting and branding, promotion of our heritage and culture including, and I emphasize it, keeping and celebrating Colum- bus Day; continuing the use of social media to promote OSDIA; emphasizing our philanthropic deeds; continuing NELA (National Education & Leader- ship Awards) with amazing hon- orees and continuing to honor our scholars and wounded war- riors. We will be inclusive, not exclusive! "My personal goal, aside from keeping everything in order and everyone happy, is to try to visit Jake Gigliotti, winner of the Henry Savatori Memorial Scholarship, Vera Girolami & Joseph LaBanca. Photograph by Max Taylor, maxtaylorphoto.com

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