The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce the creation of the NIAF DiLella Fellows Program, an all-expenses-paid, weeklong strategic business and political tour of Italy for outstanding young Italian American and Italophile professionals between the ages of 25-40.

The inaugural NIAF DiLella Fellows Program will take place September 5-12, 2024, bringing 12 exceptional fellows to Italy for an unforgettable professional development experience and a journey crisscrossing the Italian peninsula, with stops in Como, Milano, Bologna, Firenze and Roma.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide participants an in-depth understanding of the Italian economic and political landscape through high-level meetings with government leaders and business luminaries, behind-the-scenes tours of iconic Italian companies, and attendance at the prestigious Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Lake Como, all while immersing themselves in the economic and political forces shaping the nation.

"We are thrilled to launch this innovative new program that will cultivate the next generation of leaders strengthening ties between the United States and Italy," said NIAF President Robert Allegrini. "The NIAF DiLella Fellows will gain invaluable insights into the Italian business world while forging lifelong personal connections."

Highlights of the NIAF DiLella Fellows Program include:

- Meetings and interactions with former government oXicials, business authorities and thought experts

- Access and in-depth experiences at legendary Italian firms, including production line tours at Ferrari and Lamborghini, exclusive tastings at Antinori wineries, and more

- Two-day attendance at the Ambrosetti Forum's "Intelligence on the World, Europe, and Italy" at Villa d’Este in Cernobbio

- Networking events with leaders and executives

The program is made possible through the generosity of NIAF Board Member Daniel M. DiLella, a principal of Equus Capital Partners, Ltd., serving as the firm's President and Chief Executive OXicer.

"I'm honored to help NIAF create this unparalleled opportunity to develop rising Italian American talent and deepen bilateral relations," said DiLella. "The DiLella Fellows will walk away with profound insights into the modern Italian way of life and business."

Applications for the 2024 NIAF DiLella Fellows program are now open through July 22, 2024. Details and application information can be found at www.niaf.org.