The traditional Italpress Awards, held in collaboration with NIAF, returned this year for its third edition.
The award — established by the Italpress news agency, founded and directed by Gaspare Borsellino — honors outstanding Italian and Italian-American figures who promote and enhance the excellence of Made in Italy around the world. The ceremony took place in the Georgetown West Room of the Hilton Washington DC Hotel, as part of the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner of the National Italian American Foundation, presided over by Robert Allegrini.
This year’s ten Italpress Award recipients were: Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Giorgio Mulè, Lazio Region President Francesco Rocca, ENAV President Pasqualino Monti, ICE President Matteo Zoppas, ITA Airways President Sandro Pappalardo, Federturismo President Marina Lalli, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York Claudio Pagliara, CEO of ADR – Aeroporti di Roma Marco Troncone, Fiera del Levante President Gaetano Frulli, and the Menarini Group, represented by Communications Director Valeria Speroni Cardi.
Each recipient received a representation of the globe highlighting Italy, created by Marco Gallotta — a New York-based Italian artist internationally recognized for his unique paper-cutting, drawing, painting, and engraving techniques.
Gaspare Borsellino, founder and editor-in-chief of Italpress, expressed his satisfaction: “I’m very proud of an award that continues to grow year after year,” he said, announcing that the fourth edition will take place again in Washington in 2026, in collaboration with NIAF.
Among the attendees was Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, who emphasized the importance of the ties between Italy and the United States: “I thank Italpress for this beautiful initiative,” she said. “We have honored Italian excellence, and that fills us with pride. Moreover, this year marks 50 years of NIAF, a strong bridge between Italy and the U.S. — connecting with the 17 million Italians who have long lived in the United States, many of whom were born there but still hold deep roots in Italy. It’s important to know where you’re going, but also where you come from, to understand your origins.”
The significance of the relationship with the U.S. was also highlighted by Italy’s Ambassador to Washington, Marco Peronaci, who described it as “a deep, prestigious history projected into the future.” He added, “Italy and the United States have a long road ahead they can walk together, with vision, to contribute to a more prosperous world.”
Also present this year was Palermo’s Councilor for Urban Planning, Maurizio Carta, who presented the exhibition dedicated to the Festino di Santa Rosalia. “It was a great honor to represent Palermo, the guest city, at the Italpress Awards, which for the third year celebrate excellence in professional and managerial skills among women and men who have distinguished themselves in their work while acting as ambassadors of Italian identity around the world. It is a privilege to be here, within NIAF’s 50th anniversary, to celebrate Palermo and the sisterhood that links my city to Washington and others, and the brotherhood between Italy — my homeland and that of Italian Americans’ family roots — and the United States, the country they chose to cultivate talent and opportunity,” said Carta.
The ceremony, hosted by Stefano Vaccara, was supported by Cisalpina, Enel, Eni, HHH (Hospital Healthcare Holdings), Intesa Sanpaolo, ITA Airways, Menarini, Nuova Fiera del Levante, Pirelli, Trenitalia, and Webuild.
