Washington, D.C. – Political leaders, medical professionals, public servants, artists, and filmmakers were honored Thursday at the 36th annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala, hosted by the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This year’s edition celebrated the region of Lombardy.
Nearly $200,000 in scholarships were awarded to 18 students of Italian descent — both undergraduates and graduates — who stood out for academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Among the 2025 NELA award recipients were Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region; Cristiana Dell'Anna, lead actress in Cabrini; Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera; Nick LaLota, U.S. Representative for New York since 2023; and Pierpaolo Sileri, renowned surgeon and former Italian Senator and Deputy Health Minister.
Receiving the award on behalf of President Fontana was Vice President Marco Alparone, who remarked: “This award is a tribute to the strong bond between Lombardy and the United States — a bond rooted in history, culture, and shared values with the Italian American community.”