FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2023) — Elder generations, in large part, control the nonprofit organizations, cultural events, fundraising and advocacy initiatives that shape the scope and narrative of the Italian American community at local and national levels.
But now, a new collaboration is under way, empowering a 35-and-under demographic who can leverage 21st-century tools and resources to modernize the Italian American culture, which will greatly benefit from inter-generational reconnection and innovation.
Italian American Future Leaders, a new not-for-profit chaired by ISDA VP John M. Viola, developed a precedent-setting, inaugural conference that was held last weekend in the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area at FLA Live Arena to achieve these goals.
The conference was comprised of more than 100 delegates (ages 21 to 35) who included social media influencers, entrepreneurs, strategists, attorneys, academics, nonprofit specialists and more. This collection of experts, professionals and cultural ambassadors went through rounds of strategic ideation, cultural analysis and VIP networking sessions — all to drive new initiatives and spark big ideas, which are now in development.
“The weekend produced results beyond our wildest expectations,” said Basil M. Russo, the national president of COPOMIAO and ISDA, who co-organized the conference. “I believe that 20 years from now we will be looking back at this conference as one of the most important events to have ever occurred in the Italian American community. Plus, ISDA sent the most delegates (20) of any organization, a fact I’m extremely proud of.”
“This will be an annual conference, and with each passing year, we’ll accrue more talent and funding so that these incredible young Italian Americans can begin to exercise their vision for community leadership today, instead of sitting in waiting at the back of the room,” said Viola.
Read quotes and reactions from a number of the ISDA members who attended the inaugural IAFL Conference:
Patrick Campesi (Baton Rouge, La.): The future of Italian America is in good hands after seeing the pride and tenacity the future leaders embodied at this conference.
Austin Doyle (Avon Lake, Ohio): The IAFL Conference did not feel like a standard conference at all, but rather a group think tank. It brought like-minded Italian Americans and allies into one room to discuss the culture and politics of being an Italian American today. It’s a great way to network, but more importantly, it feels like reconnecting with a long-lost family. If you are an Italian American, participating in this conference will be one of the most important things you do to become more inspired to contribute to your local Italian American community.
Sabrina Tatalias (Bethel Park, Penn.): The conference connected me with resources, education, and a whole lot of new Italian American friends. You feel an extreme sense of belonging to a greater mission/purpose.
Kellie O’Keefe (Avon Lake, Ohio): Most everyone came as strangers, and starting a conversation with any attendee was as easy as talking to a friend. It was unexpectedly a life-changing weekend. I’m walking away with a passion for being Italian American and an interest in engaging in my community.
Christopher Vinci (Shaker Heights, Ohio): You don’t know what you are missing until you come…Our common God, history and struggle have defined us. Even if we feel alone, we are not.
Dominic LaPinta (Berea, Ohio): There are more of you who can share in your unique Italian American upbringing and roots right around the corner from you than you know! It only took a 1,200-mile journey to Sunrise, Florida to find the extended family who live 15 minutes from me in Cleveland, Ohio!
Serena Russo (Cleveland, Ohio): The conference united passionate young individuals to create a future for themselves and Italian America.
Lydia Cancilla (North Olmsted, Ohio): I didn’t know anyone when I signed up and made great friendships by the end of the weekend. Everyone had shared experiences be it cooking, food, family relationships, etc. that allowed us to bond.
Jon Biancardi (Schererville, Ind.): The IAFL Conference provided a platform of empowerment, mentorship and collaboration for young Italian Americans with tremendous pride and passion for their Italian culture and a common goal to uphold this culture for future generations.
David Vinci (Cleveland, Ohio): The IAFL Conference was a long time coming. I wish it would have been created when I was in my early 20’s. Its inception has definitely given me hope for the future of the Italian American community and looking forward I hope it helps give us direction as well.
ABOUT COPOMIAO
Formed in 1975 and based in NYC, The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a collective of 60 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. Italian Sons and Daughters of America is a proud member of COPOMIAO. https://copomiao.org
ABOUT IAFL
Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) is a not-for-profit that’s building a network of leaders who will help promote our shared traditions, uphold our heritage and pursue a range of commercial, cultural, advocacy and event-based initiatives. https://www.iafuture.org
