It was a weekend of celebration for the Italian-American community. On Saturday, October 18, the Washington Hilton hosted the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) 50th Anniversary Gala, bringing together prominent figures from business, culture, and academia. During the ceremony, the Foundation honored five individuals with the prestigious Dea Roma Special Achievement Awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions to global Italian excellence.

Doug Leone, partner at Sequoia Capital, received the first award for his exceptional ability to identify and support companies that have transformed the tech landscape, including Google, WhatsApp, Airbnb, and Nvidia.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo SpA, was recognized for his leadership in defense and security technology. Under his guidance, Leonardo strengthened its role in major international programs, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for governments and institutions.

The award for engineering excellence went to Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of FS Italiane Group, for leading a sustainable transformation in Italy’s mobility sector. His career spans energy and infrastructure, establishing him as one of Italy’s most respected industry leaders. "It is a true honor to receive this award, which I am pleased to dedicate to all Italians who create value both in our country and abroad and spread principles aimed at generating specific skills in engineering, technology, and innovation", he stated. "This year, at the FS Italiane Group, we launched a €100 billion Strategic Plan of investments, which represents a fundamental driver for the country's growth and development".

The Management Leadership Award was presented to Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel, celebrated for his visionary leadership across major Italian companies including Terna, Telecom Italia, NTV-Italo, and now Enel.

Academic excellence was recognized in Dr. Katia Passerini, newly appointed president of Gonzaga University. Born in Lazio and a NIAF scholarship recipient in 1996, Passerini has forged a remarkable career in the U.S., bridging Italian tradition and American academia.

The evening also honored John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari and Stellantis, and tenor Andrea Bocelli, who received the Dea Roma Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment for his global contributions to Italian culture.

NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini highlighted that the honorees exemplify "innovation, excellence, and global impact—the hallmarks of Italian and Italian-American success." The gala celebrated both the Foundation’s 50-year legacy and Italy’s enduring influence worldwide.