ITALIAN AMERICA'S MOST DISTINGUISHED WOMEN HONORED AT COPOMIAO CEREMONY IN NYC

In 2022, COPOMIAO launched the Donna Distinta — Distinguished Woman — Award to spotlight the contributions of Italian America's leading women, from culture and industry to philanthropy and activism. 

The 2022 & 2023 Donna Distinta honorees were recognized at COPOMIAO's annual meeting in NYC on June 17.

The honorees included:

Marianna Gatto, a museum curator, historian, intellectual and author, is unifying Italian America through high-concept exhibits, viral content and eye-opening research — much of which focuses on our people’s indelible impact on the West Coast. As Executive Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA), Ms. Gatto is a bridge among generations.

Dr. Gilda Rorro was knighted by the President of Italy, conferring the title of Cavaliere (Cav.), an honor that is a capstone to her impressive career and lifetime achievements. Dr. Rorro was an actress, model, an award-winning educator, a statewide civil rights director for School Desegregation, Affirmative Action, and initiator of Multicultural Education at the DOE; she currently chairs the NJIHC Curriculum Development Committee.

Dolores Alfieri Taranto is a writer, editor, photographer and podcaster who explores tradition, old world style, ancestral inspiration, food — homegrown and from scratch — and, of course, family. Immersed in academia and dialogue surrounding culture and artisanship, this Italian American influencer has generated a style of intellectualism that is pulling in a wide mix of inspired audiences. www.bellafigurapodcast.com

Rossella Rago, a chef, author, influencer and entrepreneur from Bensonhurst-Brooklyn, has amassed millions of YouTube views and a million social media followers — all in tribute to the values and traditions of her Nonna Romana. Ms. Rago is a shining personification of the Italian American experience.

www.cookingwithnonna.com

Stephanie Longo, a pillar of Italian American academia and a new school leader, has an intellect and drive that are an inspiration to us all. Ms. Longo is a teacher, doctoral student, digital pioneer, local historian, award-winning author and journalist, a chief of staff and the list goes on.

www.italianamericanpodcast.com

Antonina “Ann” Uccello was an outstanding leader who forever changed the national political landscape. Ann was a force for good, a voice of reason and a beacon to women and girls everywhere who sought to break through glass ceilings. Ms. Uccello passed away on March 14, 2023, at the age of 100, yet, her tireless pursuit of excellence shines on.

"These six women exemplify the grace, character, intelligence and tenacity that we all can look up to and learn from. Women are the soul of the Italian American experience, and we look forward to announcing the next recipients of this most deserved and distinguished award."

-Basil M. Russo, President, COPOMIAO

Formed in 1975 and based in New York City, The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a collective of 60 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. For more information, visit www.copomiao.org.