Immersive program for rising young professionals designed to provide an understanding of how Italy functions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2024) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural NIAF DiLella Fellows program trip to Italy this September. This strategic business and political tour for young Italian American and Italophile professionals marks a significant milestone in NIAF’s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in the Italian American community.

The seven-day journey began at the prestigious Villa d’Este in Cernobbio on Lake Como, where participants attended the 50th Annual Cernobbio Forum hosted by The European House Ambrosetti. This year’s forum focused on global scenarios, providing Fellows with invaluable insights into international affairs and economics.

Throughout the trip, Fellows had the extraordinary opportunity to engage with high-profile figures, including three former Italian Prime Ministers and the American Ambassador to Italy. Notable meetings included a meeting with Senatore Antonio Tomassini, President of the Association of Parliamentary and Legislative Initiative for Health and Prevention, and Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio, Vice President of the Italian Senate and discussions with Federico Rampini esteemed columnist and author, Corriere della Sera of Corriere della Sera. The Fellows also met with Vice President of the Camera dei Deputati, Giorgio Mulé, and were given a tour of the Camera dei Deputati.

A highlight of the program was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pagani Automobili Museum and Atelier in Emilia Romagna, where Fellows met with Christopher Pagani, Marketing Director of Pagani Automobili, to discuss “A timeless interpretation of the automotive art.”

“The NIAF DiLella Fellows Program is designed to immerse young professionals in the Italian political and economic landscape,” said Robert Allegrini, President of NIAF. “This inaugural trip has exceeded our expectations in providing a once-in-a-lifetime professional development opportunity for our Fellows.”

The program, made possible through the generous support of NIAF board member Daniel DiLella, Chairman of Equus Capital Partners, Ltd., took participants on a whirlwind tour of Como, Milano, Bologna, Firenze, and Roma.

“We are immensely grateful to Daniel DiLella for his vision and support in creating this transformative program,” added Allegrini. “The connections and insights gained during this trip will undoubtedly shape the careers and perspectives of these young professionals for years to come.”

###

CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.