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NOIAW Salutes the Wise Women of 2024!
Care Amiche e Cari Amici,
As per tradition, every January NOIAW Regions in Greater Washington DC, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Greater New York each celebrate the Epiphany by honoring Three Wise Women, recognizing Italian American women who have made positive contributions within the greater community and especially in the area of women’s empowerment.
Due to severe weather conditions on January 16th, the Greater New York Epiphany was postponed and is now rescheduled for March 6th. Registrations for the new date are now being accepted. Read on to find out how you can participate in New York City.
While we all have to wait another month to honor the NY Wise Women, Greater Washington DC, Connecticut, and Rhode Island Regions paid tribute to their Wise Women in January. The collage above (credit: Rob Klein, Kristina Petrilli) is just a glimpse into the celebrations while a detailed photo gallery follows below.
Despite the winter weather being with us a little while longer, our 2024 schedule is now in full swing so be sure to mark your calendars and save the date for these upcoming events:
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The NOIAW Annual Gala Luncheon returns to the New York St. Regis on April 13th. More details on honorees and tickets will be shared soon.
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Cabrini, the Movie, dedicated to one of the most iconic Italian American Women ever, debuts in theaters across the country on March 8th, International Women's Day - Several regions have already made plans to see the movie together and discuss "a tavola" the importance of honoring this legendary Italian American woman.
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NOIAW Scholarship 2024 applications are now available on our website: NOIAW.org. Please share with the young women in your life that NOIAW offers scholarships each year, and provides financial awards to highly qualified Italian American women enrolled in college and graduate school.
Also, if you are a Bruce Springsteen fan you will be happy to learn that a new book about the social phenomenon of Springsteen's women fans is out, co-authored by NOIAW member Lorraine Mangione.
Last but not least, don't forget to check the events section (if you are in the NY area, you may want to join the book presentation at Calandra Institute on February 27) and the New Members Spotlight.
Buona lettura!
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Memories Of Three Great Days | |
The Greater Washington DC Region honorees: left to right, Dr. Marilyn Concetta Jerome, Leah Woodward, and the "Rising Star" Wise Woman Julia M. Bellotti | |
The Three Wise Women for the Connecticut Region: left to right, Melanie J. Cecarelli, Dorothy Bratchell, and C. Marina Marchese - DeBenedetto | |
Here are the 2024 Rhode Island Wise Women: left to right, Daniela Ciccone, Cathy Corelli Chianese, and Juliet Grames
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January 16, 2024 at The National Press Club in Washington DC | |
Julia M. Bellotti with Gemma Puglisi (left), member of NOIAW National Board and Diana Femia, NOIAW National Board Chair and President of Greater Washington DC Region | |  |
Leah Woodward (center) with her friends who attended the dinner to celebrate her | | |
January 14, 2024 at the Patterson Club in Fairfield, Connecticut | |
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Wise Woman Dorothy Bratchell (center) surrounded by the Women's Business Development Council representatives
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Fran Pastore, CEO of WBDC, 2015 Wise Woman, and Emcee of the event | | |
January 20, 2024 at Cafe Nuovo in Providence, Rhode Island | |
Robin Tagliaferri (center), President of the Rhode Island Region with the rest of the Rhode Island Committee | | |
Robin Tagliaferri together with "her" Three Wise Women | | |
March 6, 2024 at Columbus Citizens Foundation in NYC | |
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After being forced to cancel the NOIAW Greater New York Epiphany celebration on January 16 due to the severe and dangerous weather, we officially have a new date:
Wednesday, March 6th,
6 - 8:30 pm
at Columbus Citizens Foundation in NYC
If you have already registered, please save your ticket. If you haven't, registrations are open!
Reserve your seat here
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That "Triad of Women to Look Up To" in January 2009... | |
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Waiting for the NOIAW Greater New York Region celebrations in honor of Three Wise Women, let's dive into our recent past to read about the 2009 Epiphany celebration as reported by i-Italy. Traditionally held at Columbus Citizen Foundation, that year's Epiphany honored Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Angelina Fiordellisi, and Dr. Silvia Formenti.
Read the full article here
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Mark Your Calendar!
The Annual Gala Luncheon
Returns to the St Regis
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Save the date, and join us on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the
St. Regis New York for the NOIAW Annual Gala Luncheon. Amazing women and friends of NOIAW will be honored, scholarships will be awarded, a sumptuous meal will be served, and a silent auction will be held.
Elevate your networking!
Mingle with National Board members and
some of the most impressive and talented
Italian American women you'll ever meet!
Stay tuned, more information to come!
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NOIAW Members in the News | |
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The Boss And I
A New Book Explores
Bruce Springsteen's
Women Fans Phenomenon
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Bruce Springsteen has been cherished by his fans for decades, from his early days playing high school gymnasiums through globally successful albums and huge stadium shows to solo performances in intimate theaters. As his career has evolved, the legendary devotion of his fans has remained a constant. Springsteen fans have become worthy of study in their own right, with books, memoirs, and even a movie documenting their passion and perspectives. But his fans are not monolithic, and surprisingly little attention has been paid to why so many women from across the world adore The Boss.
Mary Climbs In: The Journeys of Bruce Springsteen's Women Fans is a newly published book authored by Lorraine Mangione, a member of the NOIAW Boston Greater Area Steering Committee, along with Donna Ruff. The volume is based on two very large and very deep international surveys of women fans of Bruce Springsteen and addresses issues such as relationships, identity development, personal growth, the power of music, the importance of belonging, dealing with the losses and disappointments in life, meaning in life, and of course the fun, celebration, camaraderie, and love too of being a fan.
Find out more about the book, published by Rutgers University Press.
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Wise Woman Named
to Yale Professorship
Patricia LoRusso, a 2015 Connecticut Wise Woman and an internationally recognized expert in drug development and early-phase clinical investigation of novel cancer therapies, was recently appointed the Amy and Joseph Perella Professor of Medicine (medical oncology). The appointment is for a term of 10 years, renewable by the dean of the Yale School of Medicine.
Read more about Patricia's amazing resume
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NOIAW 2024 Scholarship
The National Organization of Italian American Women is now accepting applications for its annual Scholarship Program, which provides financial awards to highly qualified Italian American
women enrolled in college and graduate school.
Since 1980, NOIAW has awarded scholarships to accomplished women of Italian descent. While their academic passions vary, all of the scholarship winners share a strong connection to their Italian heritage and a history of academic excellence.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited US academic institution for undergraduate or graduate study. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and are required to demonstrate financial need. The minimum GPA required is 3.5.
Application Deadline: Monday, March 18th, 2024
All applicants will be notified by end of March 2024.
Apply Here!
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Save the Date!
Cabrini Movie in Theaters
on International Women's Day
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The waiting is almost over. The story of Mother Cabrini will be out in theaters all over the country beginning on March 8th, 2024.
Mother Cabrini was the founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious institution that was a major support to Italians who migrated to the United States. Born in Italy in 1850, Cabrini emigrated to the United States in 1889 to help the Italians who were coming in droves to the States and mostly living in great poverty. Her life was committed to the poor, and she remains a revered, major female figure in the Italian American community.
Produced by Angel Studios, the movie will be screened nationwide. We encourage our members who are interested in seeing the movie to organize group outings at their most convenient location. Please let us know if you plan outings in your area by emailing [email protected].
Find the nearest theater here (search for the "Get Showtimes" link).
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From Rome to New York:
The Angel of Central Park
The Greater New York Region
Invites you to a book presentation
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - 6 pm
Calandra Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, 17th Floor - NYC
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The Bethesda Fountain with the Angel of the Waters is one of the most popular icons of New York City. Scenes from countless movies have been filmed at its feet. But very few people know the artist who created it, the New Yorker Emma Stebbins. And very few people know that the Angel of the Waters was created in Rome, Italy, and that it is a symbol of love, harmony, healing, and rebirth.
Join NOIAW on February 27th to hear from Maria Teresa Cometto, a 2019 NOIAW Wise Woman and the author of Emma and the Angel of Central Park, published by Bordighera Press. Cometto will tell the extraordinary story of this artist and explain why between the 1850s and 1870s Rome was “the place to be” for an artist and especially for an American woman sculptor like Emma Stebbins. The book is the first biography to be written on Maria Teresa Cometto.
The author will talk about “La Dolce Vita” in Rome led by Emma and her partner, the American actress Charlotte Cushman, along with the other American women sculptors who were her friends and colleagues. She will also explain the meaning of the Angel of the Waters and talk about the other works by Emma that are in New York City.
The program will be introduced by Anthony J. Tamburri, Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute. Nicholas Grosso from Bordighera Press will also join the conversation.
Admission fees: $10 Members | $15 Non Members
Light refreshments will be served
Tickets available here
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Boston Is Back, And It Rocks!
Great Turnout for Let's Talk A Tavola - The Series
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Left to right are several members of the Greater Boston Area Steering Committee: Linda Cardillo, Susan Antonelli, Lorraine Mangione, Liz Fronduto Allen, Laurel Florio, and Sandi Grasso | |
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The NOIAW Greater Boston Area Steering Committee was back at I AM Books in Boston’s North End with their engaging Let’s Talk Series. On January 27, 2024, Let’s Talk A Tavola, a social mixer, was an amazing success with 40 people in attendance.
Conversations flowed about the lives, work, and interests of the Italian American women in our lives. Italian music played in the background and light refreshments were available as everyone talked, mingled, and laughed. A complimentary raffle was held with books graciously donated by noted Steering Committee member - authors Linda Cardillo, Marianne Leone and Lorraine Mangione.
A fabulous time was had by all! Next time, won't you join them?
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Taralli Promotion
Doing good can taste good too. Join NOIAW in this new promotion, and add a pinch of Puglia to your Valentines' table - at the same time donating to NOIAW and supporting a worthy project that helps inmates and former inmates rebuild their lives.
NOIAW teams with "A Mano Libera - Senza Sbarre" (Free Hands - Without Bars), a project alternative to detention. Participants work on a 25-acre farm in Andria, Puglia, where they learn artisanal skills to produce taralli, a popular Italian snack food.
The "A Mano Libera" Taralli comes in two versions: the box of 4 packages of 8.8 oz each at $50, and the case of 12 packages at $100. 20% of each purchase goes to NOIAW, all you have to do is insert the code NOIAW when prompted. Shipping is free in the United States.
Click here to purchase
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Welcome New NOIAW Members
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Each month, we ask new members to submit a profile that we can share
with our membership. Many times, members opt out of this opportunity.
If you recently joined NOIAW, please consider sharing your bio
so more of us can welcome you in NOTIZIE!
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Adele Annesi
CT Region
Writer and Owner of Word for Words, LLC
Adele Annesi is the bestselling SPD author of the novel What She Takes Away (Bordighera Press, 2023) and co-author of Now What? The Creative Writer's Guide to Success After the MFA. She is a book editor for Word for Words, LLC, and a former development editor for Scholastic Publishing.
She was managing editor of Southern Literary Review, and her work has been anthologized for Chatter House Press and Fairfield University, where she received an MFA in creative writing. She received the Editor's Choice award from the National Library of Poetry, leads workshops for the Ridgefield Library, and is a screener for the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival.
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Elizabeth Jessica Ranelli
Greater NY/Staten Island Network
Cosmetic dermatology nurse practitioner
Elizabeth hails from a family who immigrated from Sicily and Naples to New York City, where they lived in Little Italy. She was born and raised in Staten Island. She is a DNP, FNP-BC, CANS cosmetic dermatology nurse practitioner working at Skin Spirit.
She also loves staying active in her free time - you can find her at a fitness class or outdoors.
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Andrea Grimaldi-Grafer
Greater NY Regional Volunteer Services Executive - American Red Cross
Andrea is a proud 4th generation Italian American of immigrant great-grandparents from Naples and Sicily.
She has been working for the American Red Cross for over 25 years.
Andrea is a Catechist for her church St Elizabeth Ann Seton in Yorktown, NY teaching 5th
grade and a volunteer troop leader for her daughter's Girl Scout Troop.
She resides in Garrison (Putnam County NY) with her husband and is the proud mom
to a tenacious 11-year-old daughter and 3 beautiful 20-something stepchildren.
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A Blast from the Past!
By Aileen Riotto Sirey
NOIAW Founder, Chair Emerita
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In 2002 , The National Organization of Italian American Women published its first and only
cookbook. The cover (right) was designed by Barbara Riotto Garodnick.
Some of the contributions to the book were
Baronessa Zerilli Marimo’s Veal Shank Milanese, recipes from Matilda Cuomo from Escarole to NY State Apple Tart,
Aileen Riotto Sireys’ Caponatina and her Mom’s Manicotta, Gerry Ferraro’s Easter Pie ,of which she said she "could hear her arteries harden" with each bite, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s Just Desserts, and recipes from Lidia Bastianich, Mary Ann Esposito, and Hon. Tina Anselmi to name a fee.
As the title implies, included between the pages were personal stories that went with Recipes and Remembrances.
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Left to right: Judge Angela Mazzarelli, Co-Editor Roseann Martorella, Founder Aileen Riotto Sirey, Co-Editor Barbara Riotto Garodnick, and Donna DeMatteo
(We are considering the possibility of a new edition.
We will keep you posted as we look into the costs and sponsors.
If you are interested in helping explore and support this project,
please let us know at [email protected])
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