Italian American Panel Discussion

Students, faculty, staff and the general public are invited to attend.

Ciao bella!

The book discussion will feature author Don Fiore, author of Italo Balbo’s Flight to the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Fiore is a lifetime student of Italian history, an anti-defamation activist, columnist for Fra Noi, and a contributing writer for local and national publications.

He has been a musician and assistant manager of Caliendo’s Banda Napoletana.   

The panel will feature:

• Frank Di Piero (Moderator) – Host of the Keepin’ It Real with Frankie D podcast. He is author of My Big “Family,” Teddy Bianco Goes to Italy and Nonno’s Magical Garden, and director of Casa Italia in Stone Park. Di Piero is a Triton College alum and member of Ridgewood High School District 234 Board of Education.
• Ivana Di Piero – Owner of Ivana Di Piero Hair Studio in Harwood Heights, Illinois. A Triton College alum, Di Piero is director of the Ridgewood Foundation and an elected member of COMITES (Committee of Italians Abroad).
• Ariana Colella – student personnel clerk at Triton College. A Triton College alum, Colella is an Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Feast participant.
• Cristina Bertolli – Star of TLC’s hit reality show sMothered and owner of PIZZABOY Chicago in Edison Park, a neighborhood of Chicago.
• Sal Camarda – Tech entrepreneur and organizer of Maria SS. Lauretana Society of Altavilla Milicia in Chicago. Camarda is owner of Joseph’s Meats in Chicago and is a Triton College alum.
• Tony Greco – Deputy chief of the Melrose Park Police Department and Triton College alum.

Di Piero will ask panelists how the Italian-American experience has inspired and influenced their lives, as well as invite panelists to share their individual stories.

After the panel discussion, attendees will enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and sweet treats, donated by PIZZABOY Chicago.

Buon appetito!

For more information, please contact maryannpisano@triton.edu.