Siamo Arrivate! Let's Celebrate Italian American Women

Celebrate International Women's Month with a virtual discussion on Italian women who have “arrived” and are making an impact in the pages of “her-story.” Realized in collaboration with the host of the Italian American Life, Frank Di Piero, the program is based on Italian Women in Chicago, published by Casa Italia Library volunteers. The anthology, which collects stories of Italian American women organized into sections (from “Saving Our Stories” to “Pop Culture,” from "Entrepreneurial Spirit,” to “Shattering Glass Ceilings”), will spark the conversation on the importance of preserving and telling stories of women from different walks of life: a reminder to us all of the strength, resilience, and leadership women demonstrate every day. Frank Di Piero will moderate the panel, composed of Maria Laurino, an American author, essayist, and journalist (her latest book, The Price of Children, debuted in Italy in 2023 as Il Prezzo degli Innocenti); Marina Lenza, the Director of the Education Office of the Italian Consulate General in Chicago, in charge of the promotion of the Italian Language and Culture; Christina Marrocco, a writer and professor of English, creative writing, and Women’s Literature & Studies; Letizia Sorano, an Italian former History and Latin high school teacher who showed an uncommon entrepreneurial spirit once she migrated to the US. Registration fee: $10 | The link to the program will be shared, upon registration, a few days prior to the event.

Growing Up as an Italian American Woman

786 Washington St, Canton, MA 02021, USA

Celebrate International Women's Day - La Festa delle Donne - with a deep dive into Italian American women's lives. Marianne Leone, author and actor, will speak about her journey as an Italian American woman, growing up and coming of age as a first generation Italian American near Boston during a period when being recognized as an American was considered the most important goal for children of immigrants. Marianne's storied career as an author and actor includes an Italian book tour where she finally had to learn Italian, and her role as Joanne Moltisanti, mother of “Christopher” played by Michael Imperioli, in The Sopranos. Join us in Canton as Marianne shares some of these highlights before introducing us to her latest book, Five-Dog Epiphany, described as “a gorgeous and often hilarious memoir.” Her book Ma Speaks Up, an account of her early years in her family, engages its readers with stories of family, growing up Italian American, and strong women in her life. Thank you to the following organizations for support of this event: Canton Public Library, Cultural Italian American Organization (CIAO), Italian American Alliance (IAA) and Pirandello Lyceum. The event is free but registration is required. Please consider making a donation to NOIAW that will help us create an inclusive community that embraces and celebrates Italian culture, and empowers Italian American women's history and heritage.