FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 16, 2024) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce the selection of five outstanding Italian American students for its prestigious Congressional Fellowship Program. These fellows will intern in the offices of members and associate members of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. this fall. 

The NIAF Congressional Fellowship Program aims to educate and support the next generation of Italian American leadership by placing exceptional college students and recent graduates in the offices of IACD members and associates. This program provides a unique opportunity for first-hand experience in public service and offers insights into the legislative process, congressional issues, and the inner workings of Capitol Hill. 

The five selected fellows for the fall 2024 term are: 

• Albert Bonardi – Fordham University, Interning with Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY) 
• Marc Graffeo – The Catholic University of America, Interning with House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) 
• Ella Lazarus – American University, Interning with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) 
• Benjamin Levin – American University, Interning with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) 
• Samantha Skolnick – American University, Interning with Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) 

Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend from NIAF for the duration of their fellowship. In addition to their Capitol Hill internships, fellows will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive NIAF Government Affairs Program events, allowing them to network and forge valuable professional connections within Congress and the broader D.C. public affairs community. 

“We are extremely pleased to welcome this exceptional group of young Italian Americans to our Congressional Fellowship Program,” said Robert Allegrini President of NIAF. “This program embodies our commitment to fostering the next generation of Italian American leaders and strengthening the bonds between Italy and the United States.” 

NIAF, a nonpartisan not-for-profit organization, serves as the premier voice for Italian Americans in Washington, D.C. The Foundation works closely with Congress, The White House, the Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and the Embassy of Italy in Washington to promote Italian American heritage and serve as a bipartisan educational foundation. 

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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.