The National Organization of Italian American Women, the 43-year-old not-for-profit founded to connect, inspire and empower its members through its shared culture and heritage, announced the honorees at this year’s annual luncheon will be: Mary Calvi, TV News Anchor/Author; Cristina Carabetta, Attorney and Founder, Betta Bag, & Chair, National Italian American Bar Association; Joseph Sciame, Vice President, St. John’s University & President, Sons of Italy Foundation.

The trio will be recognized for their professional accomplishments and their contributions to the Italian American community as role models for the next generation. The award ceremony will take place during NOIAW’s Annual Luncheon on Saturday, May 6th 2023 at The St. Regis New York, 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022.

First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, who often speaks about her own Italian heritage, will deliver a special pre-recorded message to the luncheon guests reflecting on the important role that the traditions and the cultural values she learned at her Sicilian grandfather, Domenico’s, South Jersey home continue to play in her life. Dr. Biden is unable to attend in person as she is representing the United States at the coronation of King Charles in the United Kingdom.

Patricia Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale and a 2010 NOIAW Wise Woman recipient, will serve as the program’s emcee. NOIAW will also present scholarship awards to deserving young Italian American Women for pursuing their higher education at prestigious colleges, law schools, medical schools and universities.

Maria Tamburri, Chair of the NOIAW Board of Directors and Pat Tinto, NOIAW President, explained in a joint statement: “NOIAW’s honorees epitomize Italian American women and men, and we know that the numerous
accomplishments among the members of NOIAW are remarkable across fields and, in many cases, achieved against all odds.

“We also are delighted to be able to share a message from Dr. Biden, who is not only the first Italian American to live in the White House but the “first” First Lady” to continue her career full-time outside of the White House.”

Since its founding in 1980, NOIAW has flourished, achieving its mission to inspire, empower and connect women through a shared Italian heritage and culture. While its mission has remained steadfast, its membership, programs and accomplishments have expanded and touched many, especially with the introduction of virtual programming during COVID.

Recent past honorees have included: Patti LuPone, Actress and singer; Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author and filmmaker; Brenda Vaccaro, award winning actress; Lorraine Grillo, recent Deputy Mayor of the City of New York; CNN Anchor Alisyn Camerota, and Restaurateur, Chef & Cookbook Author Lidia Bastianich.

To purchase tickets for the event which supports scholarships and cultural programs, visit https://linktr.ee/TheNOIAW and to learn more about this thriving nonprofit, visit www.noiaw.org or call the office at 212-642-2003.

ABOUT NOIAW

The National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) is the only national organization for women of Italian ancestry. The mission of NOIAW is to unite and connect women through Italian culture and heritage; to celebrate the achievements of women of Italian ancestry; to inspire and enrich members with shared interests in cultural programs; and to empower and advance the educational and professional aspirations of current and future generations. For more information about NOIAW, its members and programs, or to become a member, visit www.noiaw.org, call (212) 642-2003, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The National Organization of Italian American Women, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.