The latest survey promoted by We the Italians has concluded as part of the 2026 initiatives dedicated to “Two Anniversaries, One Heart,” the project celebrating both the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic.
Through the questionnaire “America 250: tell us your opinion,” We the Italians invited its community of Italian Americans and Italians living in the United States to answer a particularly meaningful question: which of 18 great figures from Italian and Italian American history contributed the most to America’s greatness between 1776 and 2026.
Participants were allowed to select up to three names. For this reason, the combined percentages exceed 100%.
Francesca Cabrini ranked first with 38.9% of the vote. The first American saint and a symbol of assistance to immigrants, Mother Cabrini dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable communities. She founded schools, hospitals, and orphanages that provided education and care to thousands of people, playing a decisive role in helping newcomers integrate into American society.
In second place was Enrico Fermi with 29.5% of the vote. Widely regarded as one of the greatest physicists of the twentieth century, Fermi played a crucial role in the development of nuclear science in the United States. His research and the creation of the first nuclear reactor helped establish American scientific leadership and opened new frontiers in research and technology.
Third place went to Frank Sinatra, selected by 25.3% of respondents. Through his music, films, and an extraordinary career that spanned decades, Sinatra became one of the most influential figures in American popular culture, demonstrating how Italian heritage has enriched the artistic life of the United States.
In fourth place was Filippo Mazzei with 24.2% of the vote. An intellectual and supporter of the American Revolution, Mazzei helped spread ideas of liberty and equality that influenced several Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson. His contributions left a significant mark on the development of American democratic principles.
Rounding out the top five was Amadeo Giannini with 21.2% of the vote. Founder of the Bank of Italy, which later became Bank of America, Giannini transformed American banking by making credit accessible to immigrants and working families, helping drive economic growth and expand opportunities for millions of citizens.
The survey is part of a broader effort to highlight the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to the history of the United States. The eighteen individuals included in the survey represent figures who, in fields ranging from science and culture to economics, politics, education, and national security, left a positive and lasting impact on the making of modern America.
We the Italians thanks everyone who participated in the initiative and looks forward to the next survey in 2026, continuing its commitment to listening to the voice of the Italian and Italian American community in the United States.
