Alice A. Salvo, President of the National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA), is being honored with the prestigious Donna Distinta (“Distinguished Woman”) Award, an accolade presented annually by Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) and the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).
Established in 2022 by ISDA / COPOMIAO President Basil Russo, the award recognizes women of Italian descent whose achievements have left a meaningful impact on culture, industry, philanthropy, and advocacy. Alice Salvo’s life and career exemplify each of these ideals, making her a fitting and inspiring recipient.
Salvo’s story begins with humble roots on Long Island, where she was raised in a working-class Italian American family. Her upbringing was shaped by her mother, the matriarch of the family. From her, Salvo learned the values of resilience, responsibility, and unwavering dedication to others—principles that would guide her both personally and professionally. Growing up with dozens of cousins, Salvo witnessed a wide range of life paths, but higher education was a rarity. Few of those cousins attended college, and Salvo distinguished herself as the only one to go on to earn two professional degrees. Her journey was not paved with privilege or expectation, but rather with determination and a deep commitment to building something greater.
See past Donna Distinta honorees here.
That determination carried her into a legal career defined by leadership and service. With over 40 years of experience, Salvo has earned the prestigious designation from the State Bar as a certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. She is AV rated—the highest possible rating—by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. She has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer for estate planning, published in Los Angeles Magazine, and named one of the top attorneys in the San Fernando Valley by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. Salvo earned her Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law and an LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law.
Salvo’s influence extends well beyond her practice. She currently serves as President of the National Italian American Bar Association, where she advocates for the interests of Italian American attorneys nationwide while promoting cultural heritage and professional advancement. She has also held the presidency of multiple respected legal organizations, including the Italian American Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, the Southern California Council of Elder Law Attorneys, the San Fernando Valley Estate Planning Council, and the LAPD Gray Squad Advisory Board. In each of these roles, she has demonstrated a consistent ability to unite professionals, foster collaboration, and elevate standards within the legal field.
She has also contributed to the legal system and the community through serving for two years as Chair of the State Bar of California’s Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission reflecting her commitment to the legal profession.
Alice A. Salvo has earned many distinctions for her work, including being named Metropolitan Newspaper Company Person of the Year for 2018, further underscoring her impact both within and beyond the legal community.
Salvo’s passion for the law was equally evident in her role as an Adjunct Law Professor at Southwestern University School of Law. In the classroom, she shares her knowledge and experience with future attorneys, mentoring students and instilling in them the same values that guided her own path. Her ability to connect practical experience with academic instruction makes her a respected and influential educator.
Through her work with NIABA, Salvo has also deepened her connection to her Italian roots. This September, she will travel to Italy, where she will be recognized by the town of Laurino, the birthplace of her mother’s family. She will also visit Sicily, where her father’s family originated. This journey represents a meaningful full-circle moment, connecting her present accomplishments with the heritage that has long inspired her.
In honoring Alice A. Salvo, COPOMIAO and ISDA are recognizing not only an accomplished attorney and leader but also a woman whose story resonates with the very essence of the Italian American experience. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations, proving that with determination, strong values, and a commitment to service, it is possible to rise above circumstance and make a lasting impact.
Throughout her career, Salvo has remained deeply connected to her Italian heritage. Her leadership within Italian American organizations reflects a commitment not only to professional excellence but also to preserving and celebrating cultural identity. She understands the importance of representation and works tirelessly to ensure that the contributions of Italian Americans—particularly women—are recognized and valued.
The Donna Distinta Award celebrates women who have made significant contributions across multiple spheres, and Salvo’s achievements embody that mission. Her journey from a working-class upbringing on Long Island to a position of national leadership is a testament to perseverance, intellect, and dedication. More importantly, it reflects a life spent lifting others—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or community service.
