Italian American Future Leaders Cultivate a Cultural Renaissance

d3782589d691103025eb4091a12f0ebf Italian American Future Leaders Drives Cultural Windfall That's Shaping a New Generation

The Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL) initiative is invigorating Italian American culture, inspiring a new generation of leaders.

SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2025 —  IAFL is significantly impacting Italian American communities, from local groups to national organizations and even Italy’s diplomatic corps, by giving a voice to young people aged 21 to 35.

“IAFL3 confirmed what I’ve long believed: this is the event Italian America has needed for years,” said IAFL co-founder and COPOMIAO VP John Viola. “I was blown away by the number of young people who told me this was the kind of weekend they hadn’t realized they’d been waiting for their entire lives. Over 250 passionate young Italian Americans came together to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping our community today and those that will influence us in the future.

IAFL, a fellowship program and leadership development organization founded by Basil Russo, John Viola, and Pat O’Boyle, recently concluded its third annual convention—a three-day event held at Amerant Bank Arena from January 17–20 in Sunrise, Fla. This gathering brought together 260 promising young leaders from Italian American communities and Italy.

“This convention has reshaped the demographics of Italian American non-profit organizations. IAFL is leading a remarkable effort; we’re uniting young people around our shared history, traditions, and heritage,” stated Russo, who also heads the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).

This year’s convention, “IAFL3,” included actor Chazz Palminteri, and social media influencers Sabino Curcio & Rocco Loguercio — who boast millions of followers — who facilitated motivational and strategic sessions for both first-time attendees (“Fellows”) and returning participants (“Alumni”).

The program included sessions on government affairs, ancestry and dual citizenship, community leadership and social media, and cultural workshops focusing on opportunities and challenges.

The convention’s planning was overseen by Andrea Mauck, IAFL’s executive director, and its 10 committees, led by Patrick Ross Campesi and Gianna Pileggi.

Attendees enjoyed VIP access to a Florida Panthers game (2024 Stanley Cup champions), catered Italian meals, karaoke, and an open bar—all complimentary, thanks to IAFL’s primary sponsors: the Viola Family and the fundraising efforts of Basil Russo.

 “Looking ahead to ‘IAFL4’ in 2026, our mission remains clear: to unite and empower young leaders, ensuring the continued strength of our culture for future generations,” said Mauck. “The future is ours.”

All Fellows receive complimentary hotel accommodations each year, and IAFL aims to significantly increase attendance in the coming years.

ABOUT COPOMIAO

Based in NYC, COPOMIAO is an Italian-American coalition comprising 71 influential cultural, educational, fraternal, and anti-defamation organizations in America.

COPOMIAO (PRNewsfoto/The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations)

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations

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