Honorary Italian Consul of Pittsburgh Dr. Stephen Mancini, along with his assistant Dr. Marco Marzulli, organized several meetings in Pittsburgh with the new Italian Consul General of Philadelphia, Nico Frandi, and the consulate’s new education director, Dr. Serafina Di Rosa.

The group was joined by various leaders throughout the day including Basil M. Russo, national president of the ISDA; Sharon Cerrone, vice president of ISDA Financial Life and vice president for ISDA’s Western PA district; Ed Manfredi, ISDA fraternal board member and president of ISDA’s Victory Lodge; Dennis Astorino, CEO & Senior Principal of DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design; and Angela Hertz, Executive Director of La Scuola d’Italia Galileo Galilei.

The itinerary consisted of visits to various Italian organizations. Starting with La Scuola d’Italia Galileo Galilei in Shadyside, the school was founded in 2014 as the first Italian nonprofit 501(c)3 in Pittsburgh endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visiting dignitaries were able to see firsthand a school with an approach that mirrors that of an Italian school, thus giving a more immersive experience into Italian culture.

Next, the group visited the Heinz History Center to see the Italian Collection and Archives, founded in 1990, while also meeting with Melissa Marinaro, Director, Italian American Program.

In addition, the group received a wonderful presentation by Sabina Coraluppi and her team from Compunetix Inc., a global company headquartered in Pittsburgh and founded by an Italian immigrant.

Dr. Mancini also invited other organizations and Italian groups to meet with the Consul General throughout the day, including a meeting with the new Mayor of Pittsburgh, Corey O’Connor.

ISDA President Basil M. Russo leads a delegation of Italian and Italian American leaders to meet with new Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. From left: Pittsburgh Honorary Consul of Italy Dr. Steven Mancini, Philadelphia Italian Consul General Nico Frandi, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, ISDA Fraternal Board Member Ed Manfredi, ISDA President Basil Russo and ISDA Financial Life Vice President Sharon Cerrone.

The day culminated with a visit to an event at the University of Pittsburgh for the Nationality Rooms & NRIEP Centennial: Archives & Special Collections Exhibit.

Finally, as the Italian Consul General of Philadelphia explained throughout the day, his diplomatic mission from the Italian government and thus main purpose of this visit and future visits is not only to promote the Italian language and culture, but also to create new opportunities and business collaborations between the US and Italy; thus, individuals from different industries but especially financial, retail/merchandising with import/export capability, and the technology sector (e.g. AI, IT, etc.) are highly encouraged to participate in future events.

The Italian Consul General of Philadelphia expressed his whole-hearted gratitude to everyone who participated in this prolific day, and he looks forward to what the future will bring in completing his mission over the next 4 years.

If you are part of a company or organization that is interested in participating in this type of collaboration and future meetings, please contact Dr. Mancini at Pittsburgh.onorario@esteri.it soon as we intend to begin coordinating industry meetings over the next several months.

 

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