The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) recently became a partnering sponsor of our podcast. In this episode we visit The National Italian American Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C. and learn about how it protects, preserves and celebrates Italian-American heritage and culture. This episode contains some really in-depth discussion on Italian-American pride and respect. Enjoy it….

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Episode Quote from the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

“We want to be the place that provides an accessible version of your Italian-American heritage for you.” – John Viola on NIAF

Tweetables (Click to Tweet)

• “Our product is your identity as Italian Americans, how you feel about yourself.” – John Viola on what NIAF does
• “The feeling that you belong to something bigger than you can apply to any culture.” – Xavier Atizol of NIAF
• “We can’t re-create the specifics of where we came from, but we can keep the essence alive.” – John Viola on NIAF
• “Our heritage is so tied to our identity” – Julia Streisfeld of NIAF
• “Our job is to be evangelical Italians. We have to start with passion and bring it to the world.” – John Viola on NIAF
• “As Italian Americans it is our responsibility to support each other.” – Dolores Alfieri
• “Is there anything better than being Italian and American?” – Dolores Alfieri
• “By nature or nurture I have attributed everything positive in my life to my culture.” – NIAF President John Viola
• “You have to belong to something greater than yourself. It is what makes you human.” – NIAF President John Viola
• “The value of sitting around the kitchen table and having a tradition of certain foods and the conversation – those are roots of heritage.” – Dr. Rosa
• “One thing Italians have, is that they are really good at being human beings.” – NIAF President John Viola
• “Routine is human, and it brings everybody together.” – NIAF President John Viola
• “100% of the reason that we exist is because the word RESPECT still exists.” – Dr. Rosa on Italian Americans
• “We were raised like it was Southern Italy circa 1900.” – Dolores Alfieri
• “When you find out that someone is Italian that you were friends with, all of a sudden it is like they are your cousin.” – Dr. Rosa

Episode Summary

• NIAF is dedicated to:
  • Preserving and protecting our heritage
  • Strengthening the ties between Italy and the U.S.
  • Making opportunities available for education to people in our community
  • Promoting the Italian language
• NIAF tries to provide Italians a venue where they can feel safe and comfortable in their Italian-American skin.
• NIAF wasn’t founded until the mid 1970’s, which shows the progress of the Italian American community and how we are evolving.

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Episode Sponsors

The National Italian American Foundation
NIAF New York City Gala
Select Italy

Grazie Mille,

Anthony Fasano and Dolores Alfieri
Co-Hosts, The Italian American Podcast