FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2011

Attribute to: Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

”On behalf of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Board of Directors, we are deeply saddened by the death of Geraldine Anne Ferraro, a former Member of NIAF’s Board of Directors and one of its founding Members, who passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2011. She was 75. All who worked with Gerry during her two terms in office between 1994 and 2002, feel the loss of her leadership, spirit and dedication.

The only daughter born to Italian immigrants Dominick Ferraro and the former Antonetta L. Corrieri, Gerry always stayed close to her Italian heritage and served as a trailblazer for women. She will be greatly missed by NIAF. We have fond memories of her during her time on the NIAF Board of Directors and traveling with her throughout Italy. The NIAF Board is represented by an array of diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Gerry’s passion for NIAF’s mission was always forefront among her concerns for the Italian American community. She brought the highest level of professionalism and commitment to NIAF and was a great asset to us for many years for which we will always be grateful.

NIAF is proud to announce the NIAF Geraldine A. Ferraro Women’s Leadership Forum, named in honor of the late political pioneer who was a founding Member of NIAF in 1975 and later rejoined NIAF’s Board of Directors. The educational program will be comprised of young Italian American women who are pursuing careers in public service and also will provide them with mentoring opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Those interested in supporting the NIAF Geraldine A. Ferraro Women’s Leadership Forum, contact Anne Drefs at 202/939-3110 or anne@niaf.org. Please send contributions to the NIAF Geraldine A. Ferraro Women’s Leadership Forum, The NIAF, 1860 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Washington, DC 2011

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.