Dear friends, there are so many things we're working on. Virtual meetings, some even in-person; projects; partnerships. I hope that very soon it will be possible to tell you about the things we are preparing, obviously only when they will be done deals.
One of the most interesting things we're studying is tourism, which before Covid-19 was 14% of the Italian GDP, and is also unfortunately the sector most affected and hit by the pandemic and the restrictions decided around the world to avoid spreading the contagion. Specifically, there is great work by many on “Turismo delle radici”, which will lead many world citizens of Italian origin to return to the places where they have their roots, where their grandparents and great-grandparents left from. These places are often beautiful gems, small towns - sometimes in great difficulty today - that deserve the attention and love of both us Italians who live here and you who are abroad. There are several things that are in motion and we are part of some of them. Last Thursday, February 18th I had the pleasure of participating in a wonderful webinar organized by the Assud Association, where I gave my small contribution along with some dear friends who are great experts on these issues: Fabio Finotti (new Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of New York), Marina Gabrieli (President of Raiz Italiana Association), Giuseppe Sommario (President of Osservatorio Permanente delle Radici Italiane), Delfina Licata (Coordinator of Rapporto Italiani nel Mondo), Riccardo Giumelli (President of Associazione Italia - Stati Uniti d'America in Verona), Fucsia Fitgerald Nissoli (Member of the Italian Parliament elected in North America), Giovanni De Vita (Diplomat in service at the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and for Migration Policies of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and others.
It is with great pleasure that I announce that the We the Italians family continues to expand. Three new friends have joined us this month, and then another who is already part of our team has taken on, shall we say, a "double assignment".
The three new members of our family are our Ambassadors, but there is something new. Two of them are our Ambassadors in two American states: Utah and Georgia. So there are now 16 American States with a presence of We the Italians. But the other two appointments that I am announcing today concern the Italian regions: we are starting to have our ambassadors there too, and considering that I am in Lazio, we are already three: besides Lazio, also Liguria and Piedmont.
Carolina Gandolfo McKenna is our new Ambassador in Utah, the Beehive State. Carolina is 24 years old and was born in Palermo. She graduated from high school and then enrolled in law school. She has been residing in the United States for the past two years with her husband who is American and continues her undergraduate studies in the legal field with a focus in public administration, Spanish, French, Latin and Greek. She lives in Utah but continues to be an Italian proud of her roots and forever in love with her country.
Nicola Vidali is our new Ambassador in Georgia, the Peach State. Atlanta (GA) resident since 1992, Nicola has been involved in prestigious marketing and communication projects in three continents for important national and international organizations since 1988. In recent years Nicola has shifted his career and interests to become involved in educational, sports, social, and civic engagement initiatives with a range of organizations where he brings his entrepreneurial ability to connect the dots across fields and disciplines, with both creative vision and concrete logistical integration.
Lorenzo Zeppa is our new Ambassador in Liguria. Lorenzo is 32 years old and is an entrepreneur in the field of communication and cultural heritage. After a humanistic education he dedicated himself to the development of web marketing, communication, videomaking and management skills. He has a great passion for art and cultural heritage. He has managed historic properties and implemented projects for the recovery and enhancement of historical and artistic complexes. In his spare time he loves to travel, read, smoke cigars and spend time with his three children: Pietro, Riccardo and Davide.
Giovanni Vagnone, who already is in our team, is our new Ambassador in Piedmont. Giovanni is 38 years old, he has been working in communication for 15 years and has a degree in law. Journalist and businessman, he is managing director of a consulting company active with institutions and agencies of the United Nations and private individuals, as well as founder of an innovative startup for green building. He has been working with We The Italians for 5 years now as the layout designer for the magazine and is passionate about history and technology, as well as being in love with New York.
Please keep following We the ItaliaNews, the video and audio podcast about what happens in Italy at the time of the coronavirus. It has now become a real news program on Italy in English, each episode of which is seen by more than 1,500 of you. We have reached 186 videos. It's a big effort, but we care about it and it's part of the service we give to all of you, everything for free.
Also, please remember that our new book is available: the 2020 Yearbook of We the Italians. It contains 23 interesting interviews – both in English and in Italian - that touch on many topics regarding Italy and the United States: trust me, you won't be disappointed. You can buy it here: please, buy the book! For you, as a gift for friends and family. Please check a preview here. Thanks
And please, check our virtual store. Now you can find more than 20 products in different colors: t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, onesies, mugs, notebooks, pillows, totes, tapestries, pins, laptop and smartphone cases, magnets, stickers, masks. Buy We the Italians!
Well my friends, once again it’s all for now. Please stay safe, please stay healthy. I won’t gonna stop saying this: the future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades! But please, protect yourselves and wear the mask, too. Ciao from Rome
