Meeting builds upon efforts to forge stronger ties between Italian Americans and Italian dignitaries.
Fabrizio Di Michele, the Consul General of Italy in New York, hosted a grand reception on Saturday, July 23 to honor and celebrate the emerging bond between the Italian government and The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).
Held at the Italian Consulate headquarters in NYC, the gathering reflects an ongoing effort by COPOMIAO President Basil M. Russo and his peers to strengthen cultural relations, enhance commercial ties, and bolster activism on issues of mutual concern between the U.S. and Italy.
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This effort began last December with a precedent-setting reception held by Mariangela Zappia, Italy’s Ambassador to the U.S., who welcomed COPOMIAO delegates into her residence in Washington, D.C.
The work continued with a watershed trip to Rome in May, as COPOMIAO delegates sat down with prominent leaders at the highest levels of the Italian government, and the Vatican.

At last month’s reception, Consul Di Michele expressed his desire to continue to work closely with Italian American leaders. Likewise, we expressed our gratitude to the Consul for his leadership, friendship, and hospitality.
Click here for a list of all COPOMIAO officers, member organizations and their distinguished representatives. Without these leaders, none of this would be possible.