FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC — February 28, 2003) The NIAF hosted its second media networking event this year with leading Italian American and Italian journalists at Café Milano in Georgetown on February 25, 2003. It was the Foundation’s fifth media event in the nation’s capital.

Michael Barone, senior writer at U.S. News & World Report, hosted the luncheon. Michael Castellano, a senior at Georgetown Preparatory School and NIAF Students to Leaders (S2L) participant who attended the Foundation’s business and finance seminar in NYC last summer, joined the journalists from the print and electronic media to share his experiences. Fourteen journalists from the following media outlets: USA Today, Newsday, CNN, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Legal Times, White House Weekly, National Review Magazine, United Press International, WTTG –TV (Fox), ANSA, Gente D’ Italia,and Antenna Italia attended the luncheon.

NIAF Chairman Frank J. Guarini, along with Hon. Connie Morella, former Member of Congress and NIAF board secretary, greeted the guests. The journalists received the latest report on the Italian ancestry of the 108th U.S. Congress compiled by the NIAF.

Michael Barone whose ancestors trace their roots to Italy, Ireland and Scotland talked about the strength that is rooted in the links we share with other groups. He drew the similarity between today’s minority groups with those immigrants at the turn of the century. The journalists discussed the polarization that is occurring in the political world today and the need to keep a watchful eye on this trend.

The goal of the NIAF’s media events is to give journalists an opportunity to meet with their colleagues and introduce the NIAF to them as the “one-stop” source for contacts and information about Italian Americans.

Last month the Foundation hosted a media dinner in Miami Beach for area journalists of Italian heritage. The NIAF has scheduled a similar event in New York City on March 6^th at the Columbus Club.

(L to R) Frank J. Guarini, NIAF Chairman Franco Nuschese, owner Cafe Milano Hon. Connie Morella, former U.S. Congresswoman & NIAF Board Secretary and Michael Barone, Sr. Writer, U.S. News & World Report at media networking luncheon in Washington, DC at Cafe Milano