The NIAF Board of Directors Mission to Italy trip, which took place from June 11 – 21, 2023, was a resounding success. The trip began in Rome, where the board met with high-ranking officials of the Meloni government, members of the Italian parliament and attended a Gala dinner presented by We the Italians, in honor of NIAF, at the historic Circolo del Ministero degli Affari Esteri. The dinner was a great opportunity for NIAF to connect with community and business leaders in Rome and it set the tone for the rest of the trip.

The Board then travelled to Emilia-Romagna, NIAF's 2023 Region of Honor, where they met with the president of the Region, Stefano Bonaccini and discussed the ongoing flood recovery efforts. The NIAF Chairman, Bob Carlucci, and NIAF President, Robert Allegrini, presented Mr. Bonaccini with a contribution of $25,000, which was raised by NIAF members and supporters.

The Board also met with city officials of the cities of Modena, Ravenna and the Republic of San Marino. These meetings were a great opportunity for NIAF to build relationships with local leaders. This visit offered the occasion for NIAF to showcase its commitment to supporting the Italian American community and promoting cultural exchange between Italy and the United States.

The trip concluded in Naples, where a special board delegation was received by the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi and the U.S. Consul General to Naples, Tracy Roberts-Pounds. The meeting was to establish a collaboration between the city and NIAF. This visit was a significant success, and it paved the way for future collaborations between the two entities involving cultural exchanges and educational opportunities.

Overall, the productive trip was an excellent opportunity for NIAF to strengthen its relationship with Italy and demonstrate its commitment to supporting the Italian American and Italian community both stateside and abroad.