Washington DC, Italian-American Excellence Honored by the Sons of Italy

In the past few days, leaders in government, medicine, public service, the arts, and cinema were honored at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington D.C. by the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) at its 36th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala, which this year celebrated the Lombardy region.

The SIF awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships to 18 students, ranging from $5,000-$20,000 each, to undergraduate and graduate students of proud Italian descent for exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service. Nine of the scholarship recipients attended the 2025 NELA Gala and were presented with their awards on stage.

(From left to right) OSDIA National President Michael G. Polo, Vice President of Lombardy Marco Alparone, Francesca Zambello, Dr. Pierpaolo Sileri, Cristiana Dell’Anna, and SIF President Joseph Sciame pose for a photo at the 36th Annual National Education and Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala.

The 2025 NELA Honorees included: Attilio Fontana (President of Lombardy); Cristiana Dell’Anna (Stage and Film Actress, Lead Actress in Cabrini); Francesca Zambello (Artistic Director, Washington National Opera); the Honorable Nick LaLota (U.S. State Representative for New York’s 1st Congressional District); and Dr. Pierpaolo Sileri (Renowned Surgeon, Former Senator and Deputy Minister of Health for the Italian Republic).

Accepting the award on behalf of President Fontana was Vice President Marco Alparone, who spoke during the event about the close relationship between the United States and Lombardy. “This award is a tribute to the strong connection between Lombardy and the United States, a connection made of history, culture, and shared values with the Italian American community,” he said.

Vice President Marco Alparone addresses the crowd at the 36th Annual National Education and Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala.

Also present at the event was Alessandro Gonzales, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Italy, who delivered remarks on behalf of Honorary Chair Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy to the U.S. In his speech, he said that OSDIA (Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America) “continues to be a primary point of reference for the Italian-American community, who plays a vital role in the American society, and is the engine of the vital relationship between Italy and the United States,” adding that the relationship is “a transatlantic bond, built on shared values.”

Deputy Chief of Mission Alessandro Gonzales addresses the crowd at the 36th Annual NELA Gala in Washington, D.C.

Another highlight of the evening was “celebrating the important accomplishments of our talented scholarship students,” said Joseph Sciame, President of the Sons of Italy Foundation.

“This evening was not only a celebration of Italian American excellence through our honorees and scholarship students, but is also a testament to the important relationship between the United States and the Region of Lombardy,” he added.

The Sons of Italy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). Founded in 1905, OSDIA is headquartered in Washington, D.C. near Capitol Hill and has more than 400 lodges nationwide.

The SIF has donated tens of millions of dollars to date, benefiting its ongoing fundraising campaigns for its four national charities – the Alzheimer’s Association, the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, the Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism, and the Garibaldi Meucci Museum.