On May 6th, 2023, NOIAW, the National Organization of Italian American Women, a non-profit organization founded 43 years ago, awarded the three honorees for their annual luncheon.
The event took place at The St. Regis New York, where Mary Calvi, TV News Anchor and Author, Cristina Carabetta, Attorney and Founder of Betta Bag and Chair of the National Italian American Bar Association and Joseph Sciame, Vice President of St. John’s University and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, were recognized for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the Italian American community as role models for the next generation.
Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States who often spoke about her own Italian heritage, delivered a pre-recorded message to the guests, reflecting on the important role that the traditions and cultural values she learned at her Sicilian grandfather’s South Jersey home continue to play in her life.
Patricia Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale and a 2010 NOIAW Wise Woman recipient, emceed the event, and NOIAW also presented scholarship awards to deserving young Italian American women pursuing higher education at prestigious colleges, law schools, medical schools, and universities.
NOIAW’s Board of Directors Chair, Maria Tamburri, and NOIAW President, Pat Tinto, jointly stated that the honorees epitomized Italian American women and men, and the numerous accomplishments among the members of NOIAW are remarkable across fields and, in many cases, achieved against all odds. They also expressed their delight in sharing a message from Dr. Biden, the “first” First Lady to continue her full-time career outside the White House, who is not only the first Italian American to live in the White House.
NOIAW, founded in 1980, is the only national organization for women of Italian ancestry with the mission to unite and connect women through Italian culture and heritage, celebrate the achievements of women of Italian ancestry, inspire and enrich members with shared interests in cultural programs, and empower and advance the educational and professional aspirations of current and future generations.
The organization has expanded its membership, programs and accomplishments over the years and introduced virtual programming during COVID.
