FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(Washington, DC – December 2, 2003) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) hosted its inaugural event to launch the Foundation’s Young Professional Council on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2003 in New York City. Famed tenor and longtime NIAF supporter, Andrea Bocelli, made a special appearance during the event to greet the guests.

“NIAF has created the Young Professional Council (YP) to help provide young Italian Americans with the tools necessary to succeed in their personal and professional lives and allow them to network with their peers,” Ciro Poppiti, chair of the NIAF Youth activities Committee, said.

In 2004, NIAF has planned a number of national programs and events for Young Professional Council Members including NIAF Graduates to Leaders, an all expenses paid professional and leadership workshop; on-line resources to network; wine tastings; art and cultural exhibitions; and community service projects.

The YP Council Network introduces a new level of membership within the Foundation’s Council of 2000. The NIAF Council of 2000 is a network of Italian American men and women in business professions, government, education, and the arts. YP Council memberships allow professionals under 35 years of age to interact with the NIAF’s “inner circle” of Italian-American business and professional leaders. Young Professional Council members are invited to national and regional NIAF Council events and receive Council benefits including subscriptions to NIAF News Ambassador Magazine and the NIAF benefit package. For more information , contact: Brook Olivo atbolivo@niaf.org or call 202/939-3107.