FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Elena Isella | NIAF
eisella@niaf.org
412-596-5848 (c)
202-939-3108 (o)

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 17, 2023) Italy’s new Consul General in Los Angeles, California, Raffaella Valentini was welcomed by Robert Allegrini, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) President in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Il Fornaio Restaurant.

“The arrival of Raffaella provides the perfect impetus for NIAF’s post covid return to Los Angeles,” said NIAF President, Robert Allegrini. “After a hiatus of a few years, I can assure you that NIAF is now back in California doing what we do best, which is preserving, protecting, and promoting the Italian heritage and serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Italy,” added Allegrini.

The event was spent discussing the Consul General’s vision for the future of Italy and U.S. relations, and the role the National Italian American Foundation plays in strengthening ties between the two countries.

President Allegrini introduced the new Consul General to 40 of the distinguished guests from government, business, philanthropic and entertainment industries including actors, Joe Mantegna and Vincent Spano and comedian Tom Dreesen.  President Allegrini was joined by NIAF Board Member, Debra DiMaggio and NIAF Regional Vice Presidents, Marcella Leonetti-Tyler (Pacific Southwest) and Pete Melucci (Southwest).

Left to Right – New Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles,
Raffaella Valentini and NIAF President, Robert Allegrini

Left to Right – Actor Joe Mantegna, Former Los Angeles City
Councilman Joe Buscaino, New Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles Raffaella Valentini,
NIAF President Robert Allegrini, and Executive Director
of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Marianna Gatto

Comedians Joe Goehl and Tom Dreesen, NIAF Board Member
Debra DiMaggio, and Actor Vincent Spano

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.

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