Last Saturday, Italian-American TV journalist and media executive Valentina Martelli was honored with the Ferrucci Institute Community Service Award 2026 during a special ceremony held at the Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University in Orange, California.
The morning opened with remarks by Professor Federico Pacchioni, who highlighted the importance of the Italian language and the diversity of Italian dialects and idioms as essential elements of cultural dialogue.
Community leader Cavaliere Vicky Carabini followed, praising Martelli’s longstanding commitment to serving and representing the Italian community abroad. The Consul General of Italy, Raffaella Valentini, also addressed the audience, underscoring the vital role Martelli has played in strengthening ties between Italy and the United States.
For more than a decade, Martelli has been dedicated to telling the stories of Italians around the world, giving voice to their achievements, challenges, and contributions. Through her reporting, she has built a bridge between communities, highlighting the richness and diversity of the Italian diaspora.
In addition to her journalistic work, Martelli is the founder of the prestigious ITTV International Forum and TechInEntertainment (TiE) Festival, held in Los Angeles and Venice, an initiative that celebrates Italian television and media excellence on an international stage.
The Ferrucci Institute Community Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to the community. This year’s ceremony not only celebrated Martelli’s professional accomplishments, but also her enduring commitment to connecting people through the power of storytelling.
