Iolanda Marinelli has begun her term as president of the Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii, pledging to strengthen the organization’s longstanding mission of promoting friendship, cultural understanding, and aloha between Italy and Hawaii.
Founded in 1990, the Friends of Italy Society brings together Hawaii residents of Italian descent and people from every background who share an appreciation for Italy’s culture, traditions, language, and heritage. For more than 3 decades, the organization has contributed to Hawaii’s cultural and social life through educational programs, public events, and community activities.
In announcing her new role, Marinelli expressed gratitude to the Society’s past presidents, Board members, volunteers, and members. Their dedication, she noted, created the strong foundation that continues to support the organization and preserve the special relationship connecting Italy and Hawaii.
Under Marinelli’s leadership, the Society plans to honor this legacy while developing new opportunities for members to meet, participate, and celebrate Italian culture. Future activities will include Italian language classes, food and wine experiences, film screenings, art programs, social gatherings, and community service initiatives.
Marinelli emphasized that the Friends of Italy Society is shaped by the enthusiasm and active involvement of its members. She encouraged participants to contribute ideas, attend upcoming programs, and welcome new people interested in discovering Italy’s cultural richness.
Working with the Board, volunteers, and membership, Marinelli hopes to expand participation and deepen the personal relationships at the heart of the Society. Her presidency opens a new chapter for an organization that has spent 36 years building a meaningful cultural bridge across the Pacific.
