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Linda R. Carlozzi is known to many for her stellar legal career (she’s even included on Crain’s NY’s list of 100 Leading Women Lawyers in New York City). But, to those of us in the Italian American community, her ubiquitous presence amongst the leadership of countless Italian American organizations might make one wonder exactly how this “Wonder Woman” finds the time for anything but being Italian.
This week, Rossella and John catch up with this ever-present Italian American to explore some of the many institutions and initiatives she lends her talents to. From her college years as one of the founders of FIERI, the first national organization for Italian American college students, to her work with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the Columbus Citizens Foundation, and the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW), Linda has become one of the most prominent and active women leaders in Italian America. Yet, even with such a robust ethnic résumé, it’s her work as Chairwoman of the 99-years young Italian Welfare League (IWL) that has defined her service to her community.
As the League gears up to celebrate its 99th anniversary in late October, we’ll discuss its founding in 1920 as a project of the American Red Cross in Italy, and its decades long service for newly-arrived Italian immigrants on the piers at Ellis Island, to its current mission born from the tragedy of September 11, 2001- to serve “i Nostri Bambini”, the children of greatest need in the Italian American community. This all-volunteer group is the oldest organization for Italian American women in the nation, yet it’s leading the way in redefining service in the community.
As they explore this history, they’ll take the well-worn, meandering path that comes with any episode of the Italian American Podcast, to search for better understanding of why our community keeps its culture so alive, and share a story (and argument) or two from the many years these three have crossed paths in their shared efforts to serve the community they all love.
It’s an episode that will inspire you to get active in the community, and leave you with a ton of laughs along the way.
“Linda Carlozzi, An Extrodinary Italian American Woman” by iItaly
Hidden Heritage Collections- I Nostri Bambini: A Glimpse at the Work of the Italian Welfare League
Grazie Mille,
The Italian American Podcast Team
