Basil M. Russo speaks at the fourth annual Italian American Future Leaders Convention
It’s established.
After four successful gatherings over four years, the Italian American Future Leaders Convention has become a mainstay event for Italian American youth.
The idea of a convention for Italian American youth was conceived by John M. Viola, Basil M. Russo and Patrick A. O’Boyle during the height of the 2020 pandemic. Named Italian American Future Leaders (IAFL), their annual gathering has become an anticipated event akin to others of older Italian American organizations. Growing continuously in attendance led IAFL to hire as its executive director Andrea C. Mauck.
Basil M. Russo speaks at the fourth annual Italian American Future Leaders Convention
Goal: Italian American Youth
Winning last year’s Stanley Cup in the National Hockey League, with their team, the Florida Panthers, the Viola Family, along with the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), remain as key sponsors for the IAFL convention.
Florida continues as prime location for the gathering. And why not? Held from January 16-19, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the fourth annual Italian American Future Leaders Convention (IAFL4) allowed young Italian Americans to escape the cold snow of the north. Some 350 Italian Americans, ages 21–35, came together to enhance leadership skills, to network, and to reinforce cultural connections.
IAFL has become a national fellowship platform where different Italian American organizations can sponsor a person to attend the event, all expenses paid.
Attendees at IAFL4 enjoyed social events including games of Bocce and group songs
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Tomorrow's Leaders
The IAFL Convention has emerged as a catalyst for cultivating the next generation of Italian American leadership—both collaborative and independent—while fostering a renewed sense of purpose and engagement within the community.
First-time participants, known as “Fellows,” alongside returning “Alumni,” took part in curated workshops and panel discussions examining topics such as dual citizenship pathways and ancestry research, nonprofit and association leadership, digital storytelling and social media strategy with Growing Up Italian, and the creation of grassroots initiatives designed to celebrate and elevate Italian American culture at the local level.
“Our collective ancestors arrived more than a century ago—many of them the same age as today’s IAFL attendees—and built lives, institutions, and opportunities against extraordinary odds,” said COPOMIAO President and IAFL co-founder Basil Russo. “Whatever paths this generation chooses, IAFL exists to help them advance what our ancestors began and write the next chapter of our Italian American story.”
IAFL4 featured a vibrant mix of networking events and cultural experiences, including catered Italian meals, VIP amenities, a rooftop welcome reception, a pop-up bocce tournament hosted by the Bocce Bros, traditional dance, and a closing night celebration that reinforced camaraderie and momentum.
Through its all-expense-paid model—covering hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation—IAFL continues to reduce barriers to participation while expanding its national reach and impact. COPOMIAO’s sustained investment in leadership development reflects a long-term strategy to ensure the vitality and visibility of the Italian American community for generations to come.
IAFL attendees gather for a group photo
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Italian American Identity
The convention opened with a powerful keynote address by Judge Russo, who traced the arc of Italian American history—from systemic discrimination and World War II-era injustices to contemporary efforts that marginalize Italian American identity and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. He highlighted COPOMIAO’s proactive response, including landmark legal victories, sustained national advocacy, and support for films and initiatives that authentically portray the Italian American experience. The message was clear: Italian Americans are no longer on the defensive—they are shaping outcomes.
As the convention concluded with a high-energy celebration featuring music, dancing, karaoke, and Italian cuisine, attendees left energized and connected, ready to launch new clubs, initiatives, and leadership efforts in their home communities.
Andrea Mauck, executive director of IAFL
Looking ahead, IAFL Executive Director Andrea Mauck expressed optimism about the road ahead. “As we prepare for IAFL5, we’re incredibly proud of what has been built over the past four years,” she said. “The next convention will be a milestone moment—one that celebrates our successes while continuing to raise the bar and deepen our commitment to Italian Americans nationwide.”
Editor’s Note: The web site for the Italian American Future Leaders is: https://www.iafuture.org. The web site for the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations https://copomiao.org
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