FROM THE AMHS NOMINATING COMMITTEE: NOVEMBER ELECTION OF CANDIDATES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The AMHS Nominating Committee (Mark Lino, Rico Allegrino, and Maria D’Andrea-Yothers) are pleased to introduce two candidates for the Board: Teresa Black and Natasha Rovo. If elected, Teresa and Natasha will serve three years, with their term starting on January 1, 2025. They will replace Mark Lino and Maria D’Andrea-Yothers. The four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) and the remainder of the Board of Directors are not up for election this year.
Please note that this is the first election conducted under the new rules as set forth in Article VI of the revised bylaws. Voting will be by email only. There will be no vote taken at the November 17 general meeting. Please see the instructions below on how to cast your ballot.
We are still looking for a candidate for Treasurer, as Peter Bell has far exceeded his term(s) in the position! If interested, email Maria D’Andrea-Yothers, mardand62@gmail.com.

Before reading more about the candidates and how to cast your vote, we would be remiss without acknowledging Nancy DeSanti, who will be stepping down as the Vice President-Programs at the end of this year – a position she has held for ELEVEN YEARS! We owe Nancy our gratitude for bringing us interesting programs that crossed literature, art, design, and cuisine. We trust Nancy will stay engaged with the Society to support the Program Committee moving forward. Mille Grazie Nancy!

CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD

Teresa Floria Black
I I was born and raised in the DMV area. I have always been passionate about my Italian heritage and community. My family immigrated to America from Vicari, Sicily in 1898. The family lived and worked on Longfellow Street in DC and worshiped at Holy Rosary. I grew up in Upper Marlboro, MD, have lived in Virginia for 19 years, and worked with the Federal Government for 20 years as a Knowledge Manager and Information Specialist. I have achieved many milestones in my career and am proud of my contributions to the Joint Staff portal and the development of specialized tools to enable leadership to get accurate information at the speed of relevancy. In my free time, I enjoy Bocce, art, reading, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. I’m a firm believer in helping others, connecting with the community, and human rights, and I strive to make a positive impact in everything I do.

Natasha Rovo
My name is Natasha Rovo, and I am honored to apply for a board position with the Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society, a community I hold dear to my heart.
Born and raised in L’Aquila, Abruzzo, I have always carried my region in my heart. This deep connection has remained with me throughout the years I lived in Rome during my university studies, and later in Washington, DC, where I moved in 2018 to work as an Economist at the World Bank. Every year, I return to L’Aquila to visit my family. Every year, I return home. My family’s roots in Abruzzo have instilled in me a profound appreciation for our heritage, including unique traditions, culinary delights, architecture and art, beautiful landscapes, and the forte e gentile spirit of our people.
Though I have been a member of the AMHS for only a short time, attending a few events and meeting some members have fostered in me an immense respect for this precious initiative. I was touched by the stories that few members shared with me about the time when they left their village to move to the United States, about their life away from home, about their love for Italy which will never fade away. I was moved by how they instilled the same love in their sons and daughters. These experiences and stories have deepened my connection to this community and its mission, and I would be honored to play a more active role in preserving and promoting the heritage of Abruzzo and Molise.
I bring a strong desire to contribute my energy and enthusiasm to the society’s future endeavors. My background in economics and policy dialogue equips me with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to the board’s initiatives. My passion for history and art makes me particularly interested in activities aimed at promoting the socio-cultural heritage of our regions, creating synergies with AMHS and various activities in Abruzzo, and further enlarging and strengthening our community.
I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members to further the society’s mission. As a board member, I am committed to preserving the legacy of AMHS, ensuring that other people and future generations continue to cherish and celebrate our heritage. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills, passion, and dedication to the AMHS.

DEADLINE
Please submit your ballot no later than November 30, 2024