The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce five additional distinguished honorees for NIAF's 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Doug Leone, Partner at Sequoia Capital, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in International Business for his global impact as a venture capital leader; Roberto Cingolani, CEO & General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A., will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Global Defense & Security Technology; Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO & General Director of FS Italiane Group, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Engineering Excellence for National Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure; Flavio Cattaneo, CEO of Enel Group, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Management Leadership; and Dr. Katia Passerini, 27th President of Gonzaga University, will receive the NIAF Dea Roma Special Achievement Award in Academic Excellence.

These accomplished leaders join NIAF’s previously announced two premier honorees John Elkann, Chief Executive Officer of Exor N.V., Chairman of Ferrari N.V., and Chairman of Stellantis N.V., and world-renowned tenor maestro Andrea Bocelli, recipient of NIAF's Dea Roma Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment.

"We are proud to honor these exceptional leaders who exemplify the innovation, excellence, and global impact that define Italian and Italian American achievement," said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. "Doug Leone's transformative role in venture capital, Roberto Cingolani's leadership in aerospace and defense technology, Stefano Donnarumma's vision for sustainable infrastructure, Flavio Cattaneo's distinguished management leadership across multiple industries, and Katia Passerini's groundbreaking contributions to higher education represent the diverse ways Italian talent continues to shape our world."

Doug Leone was instrumental in building Sequoia Capital into one of the world's most successful venture capital firms. The legendary firm has backed transformative companies including Google, WhatsApp, Nvidia, Airbnb, and ServiceNow. His strategic vision and commitment to fostering innovation have made him one of the most respected figures in Silicon Valley and global technology.

Roberto Cingolani leads Leonardo S.p.A., a global industrial group that builds technological capabilities in Aerospace, Defense & Security. Under his leadership, Leonardo has strengthened its position as a leading company in major international strategic programs and is a trusted technological partner of governments, defense agencies, institutions and businesses.

Engineer Stefano Antonio Donnarumma leads the Italian State Railways Group (Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) with steady and forward-looking leadership, guiding it through a major transformation toward sustainable, innovative, and integrated mobility. His vision has been focused on the future, effectively combining sustainability and innovation.

Flavio Cattaneo has served as Chief Executive Officer of Enel Group since May 2023, leading one of the world's largest energy companies. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated exceptional management leadership across multiple industries, having previously served as CEO of Fiera Milano, RAI, Terna, Telecom Italia and NTV-Italo. His strategic vision has guided major transformations in exhibitions, media, transportation, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure. In 2011, he was awarded the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro by the President of the Italian Republic, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Italian industry.

Dr. Katia Passerini became the 27th President of Gonzaga University on July 15, 2025, bringing a distinguished career in higher education leadership and academic excellence. Born in Lazio, Italy, President Passerini's connection to NIAF runs deep—she was a recipient of the NIAF Frank D. Stella Scholarship in International Business in 1996, making this honor particularly meaningful. Throughout her career, she has served as an administrator, educator, and researcher with expertise in project management, information systems, and IT strategy. She previously served as provost and executive vice president at Seton Hall University and held leadership positions at St. John's University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A Fulbright Scholar with degrees from Italian and American universities, President Passerini exemplifies the bridge between Italian heritage and American academic achievement.

The black-tie gala, marking NIAF's return to the historic Washington Hilton, will showcase the Italian region of Lazio as the Region of Honor, bringing the distinctive culture and traditions of Rome's home region to the nation's capital. Invitations have been extended to President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, highlighting the gala's importance in strengthening U.S.-Italian relations.

The evening will begin with an elegant cocktail reception, followed by a dinner featuring regional specialties from Lazio paired with premium Italian wines. Throughout the celebration, guests will enjoy special performances, participate in auctions, and continue the celebration at the After-Hours Party.

Earlier in the day, NIAF will host the NIAF Forum, featuring lectures and talks exploring Italian and Italian American culture and heritage. The Forum will include screenings of the five NIAF/De Laurentiis Film Prize finalists, with the winner to be announced during the Gala dinner.

A portion of the proceeds will support NIAF's educational and cultural programs, ensuring the foundation's continued impact for future generations.