Italian American Future Leaders Drives Cultural Windfall That's Shaping a New Generation

News provided by

The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations

Jan 31, 2025, 16:00 ET

Restoring passion and purpose, IAFL is rallying young pioneers to elevate Italian American culture for generations to come.

SUNRISE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Italian American Future Leaders is making waves at every level, from neighborhood clubs to national organizations and all the way to Italy's diplomatic community, as it amplifies the voices and vision of younger generations, ages 21 to 35.

“IAFL3 confirmed what I’ve long believed: this is the event Italian America has needed for years,” said IAFL co-founder and COPOMIAO VP John Viola. “I was blown away by the number of young people who told me this was the kind of weekend they hadn’t realized they’d been waiting for their entire lives. Over 250 passionate young Italian Americans came together to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping our community today and those that will influence us in the future."

IAFL, a fellowship platform and leadership incubator founded by Basil Russo, John Viola and Pat O'Boyle, concluded the third installment of its evolving annual convention — a premier three-day event held at Amerant Bank Arena Jan. 17–20 in Sunrise, Fla., which attracted 260 of the brightest young leaders from Italian America and Italy.

"This convention has reversed the demographic trajectory of the Italian American nonprofit world. All eyes are on IAFL as we do what seemed unthinkable only a few years ago: rally young people around our history, traditions and heritage," said Russo, who leads the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).

This year's convention, dubbed "IAFL3," featured actor Chazz Palminteri, and Sabino Curcio & Rocco Loguercio — the multi-million follower influencers behind Growing Up Italian — who helped drive motivational and strategy sessions among the convention's "Fellows" (first-time attendees) and "Alumni" (returning attendees).

Presentations and breakout activities also included navigating government affairs, ancestry and dual citizenship tutorials, community leadership & social media challenges, and cultural workshops to address opportunities and obstacles.

Planning for the annual convention is led by Andrea Mauck, IAFL's executive director, and its' 10 committees, headed by Patrick Ross Campesi and Gianna Pileggi.

During the convention, attendees enjoyed VIP access to a Florida Panthers game (the 2024 Stanley Cup champions), catered Italian meals, karaoke and open bar accommodations — all complimentary, thanks to IAFL's lead sponsors: the Viola Family and the fundraising efforts of Basil Russo.

"As we look ahead to 'IAFL4' in 2026, our mission remains steadfast: to unite and empower young leaders, ensuring the vitality of our culture for generations to come, said Mauck. "Tomorrow belongs to us."

Each year, all Fellows receive free hotel stays, as IAFL aims to raise the bar and grow attendance from hundreds to thousands in the coming years.

ABOUT COPOMIAO

Based in NYC, COPOMIAO is an Italian-American collective of 71 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in America. Contact us.

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations