Siamo Una Famiglia

AMHS WORKING WITH LEADERS IN THE ITALIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

President Chris Renneker Picked to Attend Italian-American Future Leaders Convention
Christopher Renneker, our AMHS president, will be going to the Italian-American Future Leaders convention in Florida in January. Chris’ application to the Class of 2025 was accepted and he will be joining a network of young leaders and professionals from across the United States.
The sessions of this 3rd annual IAFL convention will be held January 17-20, 2025, at the Panthers Stadium in Sunrise, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale. After Chris returns, he will report to us on the convention in an article for the Notiziario.
The organization’s purpose is to bring together hundreds of young Italian Americans collectively to discuss, appreciate, and elevate their heritage. The goal is to inspire these young leaders to assume leadership roles in Italian-American organizations across the country.
The IAFL program was founded two years ago by John M. Viola, Basil M. Russo, and Patrick A. O’Boyle, all officers of the Italian Sons & Daughters of America (ISDA). Viola was formerly head of the National Italian-American Foundation.
The IAFL is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between younger and older Italian-American generations. The convention aims to not only offer a platform for young Italian Americans to network and brainstorm but also nurture personal connections and a sense of communal identity.
IAFL describes itself thus: “IAFL is searching for visionaries, disrupters, creators, and can-doers (ages 21-35) who can lead the Italian-American community in one direction – forward.”
(Submitted by Nancy DeSanti)

AMHS Board Member Working With IAOV

The Italian-American One Voice Coalition (IAOVC) is dedicated to fighting discrimination directed against Italian Americans and preserving Italian-American heritage.  AMHS Board of Director member and attorney Anthony Andreoli and the UNICO McLean chapter recently hosted the IAOVC president Andre’ DiMino who discussed his experiences dealing with anti-Italian prejudice, the continuing fight against this type of bias in media, and the continuing dedication to maintain our Columbus Day holiday.
The IAOVC holds monthly Solidarity Sessions with the Native-American population to collaborate in the struggle against those cultural forces seeking to divide our nation.  These sessions are held via monthly Zoom meetings and persons interested in attending these sessions are welcome to reach out to Andre’ for information at andre@iaovc.org.
(Submitted by Tony Andreoli)

A Career in Government Comes to a Close

AMHS Happy Hour at Puro Gusto

By Maria D’Andrea-Yothers
AMHS members and friends enjoyed Happy Hour on January 10 at Puro Gusto in Washington, D.C. From left, Mamta Sampemane, Teresa Black, Laura Gentile, Helen Free, Sam Yothers, Maria D’Andrea-Yothers, Chris Renneker, and Melis Mull.

January/February 2025