“The current tragic situation in Ukraine makes this year’s International Women’s Day even more meaningful” said Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Mariangela Zappia at the March 8 premiere of the documentary film One of Us – East Coast, with special guest the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Hon. Nancy Pelosi. “We honor this important date with our hearts and minds to the ongoing, horrifying attack on Ukraine; to the courage of Ukrainian people who fight for freedom, and particularly to Ukrainian women.

Our hope today is to inspire the young generations of future leaders and to honor and celebrate the key role of women in diplomacy, business, and every sector of life,” the Ambassador told the audience, including Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova and several women ambassadors, high-level officials, young professionals, faculty members, and students of all ages.