The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 18, in Washington, D.C., honoring Italian and Italian American leaders who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and to the nation. The event will also commemorate five decades of NIAF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage shared between Italy and the United States.
Part of the evening’s proceeds will go toward supporting NIAF’s educational and cultural initiatives, which remain at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. As part of the celebration, the Lazio Region has been named NIAF’s 2025 Region of Honor, underscoring the enduring cultural ties that connect Italy’s regions to the Italian American experience.
Among those to be recognized during the gala is world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, who will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Career Award for his outstanding achievements in the performing arts. Business leader John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari and Stellantis and CEO of Exor, will be honored with the NIAF Dea Roma Special Award for Global Business Leadership, while venture capitalist Doug Leone, Partner at Sequoia Capital, will be acknowledged for his success as a global leader in innovation and investment.
In the field of science and industry, Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, will be recognized for his work in defense and global security technology. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of Gruppo FS Italiane, will receive the award for engineering excellence in sustainable infrastructure, and Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel, will be honored for his outstanding managerial leadership. Academic distinction will also be celebrated with Katia Passerini, President of Gonzaga University, who will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Award for Academic Excellence.