Restoring passion and purpose, IAFL is rallying young leaders to elevate Italian American culture for generations to come.
IAFL, a fellowship platform and leadership incubator founded by Basil Russo, John Viola and Pat O’Boyle, concluded the third installment of its evolving annual convention — a premier three-day event held at Amerant Bank Arena Jan. 17–20 in Sunrise, Fla., which attracted 260 of the brightest young leaders from Italian America and Italy.
“This convention has reversed the demographic trajectory of the Italian American nonprofit world. All eyes are on IAFL as we do what seemed unthinkable only a few years ago: rally young people around our history, traditions and heritage,” said Russo (above), who leads the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) and Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA).
Presentations and breakout activities also included navigating government affairs, ancestry and dual citizenship tutorials, community leadership & social media challenges, and cultural workshops to address opportunities and obstacles.
“As a member of the inaugural IAFL class and chairman, I experienced a newfound sense of pride over the IAFL3 weekend. With record turnout and an electric energy from passionate leaders, we’re poised to make 2025 the year of Italian America,” Campesi said (above).
“Through collaborative ideation, engaging panel discussions, a robust network of social followers and dynamic networking opportunities, IAFL transitions from individual efforts to collective impact, from local influence to a national stage,” said Mauck. “As we look ahead to ‘IAFL4’ in 2026, our mission remains steadfast: to unite and empower young leaders, ensuring the vitality of our culture for generations to come. Tomorrow belongs to us.”
Sabino Curcio (left) and Rocco Loguercio (right), of Growing Up Italian, join Chazz Palminteri at IAFL3.
“IAFL3 confirmed what I’ve long believed: this is the event Italian America has needed for years,” said IAFL co-founder and ISDA/COPOMIAO VP John Viola (above). “I was blown away by the number of young people who told me this was the kind of weekend they hadn’t realized they’d been waiting for their entire lives. Over 250 passionate young Italian Americans came together to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping our community today and those that will influence us in the future. They built lifelong connections and became part of a movement that I’m confident will continue to exceed our expectations year after year.”