Restoring passion and purpose, IAFL is rallying young leaders to elevate Italian American culture for generations to come.
Italian American Future Leaders is making waves at every level, from neighborhood clubs to national organizations and all the way to Italy’s diplomatic community, as it amplifies the voices and vision of younger generations, ages 21 to 35.
IAFL, a fellowship platform and leadership incubator founded by Basil Russo, John Viola and Pat O’Boyle, concluded the third installment of its evolving annual convention — a premier three-day event held at Amerant Bank Arena Jan. 17–20 in Sunrise, Fla., which attracted 260 of the brightest young leaders from Italian America and Italy.
This year’s convention, dubbed “IAFL3,” featured actor Chazz Palminteri, and Sabino Curcio & Rocco Loguercio — the multi-million follower influencers behind Growing Up Italian — who helped drive motivational and strategy sessions among the convention’s “Fellows” (first-time attendees) and “Alumni” (returning attendees).
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Presentations and breakout activities also included navigating government affairs, ancestry and dual citizenship tutorials, community leadership & social media challenges, and cultural workshops to address opportunities and obstacles.
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Planning for the annual convention is led by Andrea Mauck, IAFL’s executive director (pictured below), and its’ 10 committees, which are headed by Patrick Ross Campesi and Gianna Pileggi.
During the convention, attendees enjoyed VIP access to a Florida Panthers game (the 2024 Stanley Cup champions), catered Italian meals, karaoke and open bar accommodations — all complimentary, thanks to IAFL’s lead sponsors: the Viola Family and the fundraising efforts of Basil Russo.
“Through collaborative ideation, engaging panel discussions, a robust network of social followers and dynamic networking opportunities, IAFL transitions from individual efforts to collective impact, from local influence to a national stage,” said Mauck. “As we look ahead to ‘IAFL4’ in 2026, our mission remains steadfast: to unite and empower young leaders, ensuring the vitality of our culture for generations to come. Tomorrow belongs to us.”
Each year, all Fellows receive free hotel stays, and everyone is encouraged and inspired to return as IAFL aims to raise the bar and grow attendance from hundreds to thousands in the coming years.
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For the third year in a row, ISDA recruited the largest delegation of young members to the annual IAFL convention.
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