THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION

High Impact Philanthropy: Margaret I Cuomo Of The Italian Language Foundation On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / June 15, 2024 / Blog /

An Interview with Karen Mangia
Originally published on Medium

Passion for the mission of the organization is essential. Offering my time and effort to host professional development for teachers of Italian has been a rewarding process. Teachers appreciate our dedication and our recognition of their professional commitment.
Margaret Cuomo

For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D..

Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D., is the author of A World Without Cancer, and the co-founder and president of The Italian Language Foundation, (ILF), a 501©3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and support of Italian language education nationally. The ILF offers free programs for students and teachers of Italian, college fellowships, and the new Giambelli Culinary Award.

Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?

Mygrandparents had a profound impact on my development as a person, and their work ethic, integrity, and generosity toward those in need inspired me. My parents, too, were dedicated to their family and to their community. I will always remember how my parents volunteered whenever they could and were always willing to help others.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.

Passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence are essential for success in any field. Life is filled with challenges for us all. In order to succeed, it is essential to be dedicated to your goal, and willing to fail and to try again, and again. In establishing The Italian Language Foundation, there was resistance to our mission of supporting and promoting Italian language education. Resilience and persistence were required to accomplish the founding of this not-for-profit organization, and ensuring that it would thrive.

The process of researching and writing A World Without Cancer also required passion, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Explaining and advocating for the prevention of cancer, as well as its treatment, is a vital element of my professional focus as a medical doctor (M.D.) If you believe in your cause, or goal, others will, too. Traveling around the country, speaking to diverse groups of Americans about the need to live a healthy lifestyle to decrease the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, it was clear that better health is a goal for many. People truly want to live healthy lives and will gladly accept change that is presented clearly and with guidance.

What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?

Many students of Italian at the high school and college level throughout the United States are Latinx, and Spanish is a first or second language for them. These students are generally excellent learners of the Italian language. Italian language and culture is for everyone! Among all European nations where English is not the native language, Italy is the most popular destination for American students studying abroad. The Italian Language Foundation encourages and rewards all excellent students of Italian with the Giambelli Awards for Excellence in high school, and with College Fellowships at the college level.

Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?

It became clear to me many years ago that in order to fully understand and appreciate a nation or culture, it is essential to understand the language of its people. In the United States, Italian Americans have been the victims of negative stereotypes, and also, misconceptions about who Italians and Italian Americans are, and what they have contributed to America, and to world civilization. The Italian Language Foundation highlights the vast contributions of Italians and Italian Americans in every field imaginable, from giants in science, math, physics, chemistry, law, philosophy, art, architecture, literature, poetry, music, dance, fashion, automotive design, shipbuilding, culinary arts, and so much more. Once a student begins to learn about Italy, and its people and beautiful language, they develop an appreciation and respect for Italian culture and the many ways in which it has enhanced our society.

What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?

The Italian Language Foundation is my “labor of love.” It is my way of honoring the accomplishments and legacy of my grandparents, Andrea and Immaculata Cuomo, and Charles and Mary Raffa and my parents, Mario and Matilda Cuomo. Bringing the love for Italian culture and language to present and future generations of American students in the goal.

Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?

Many students and teachers of Italian across the USA have benefited from the free programs offered by The Italian Language Foundation. Recently, a college freshman gratefully accepted a generous fellowship from The Italian Language Foundation which allowed her to continue her study of Italian. Without the fellowship, she would not have been able to pursue her goal of mastering the Italian language, and applying her knowledge in her future career.

We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?

My goal in leading The Italian Language Foundation is to make it easier for students to learn Italian, and for teachers to teach Italian. The Italian Language Foundation provides financial support and exciting programs to motivate students to study Italian nationwide. To summarize, I seek to compensate for the lack of interest, misunderstanding and lack of funding that exist in many school districts with regard to Italian language education.

Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.

Establishing and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization requires a passion for the mission of the organization, patience, determination, good communication skills, a committed board of the organization for financial and emotional support, and a plan for sustainability of the organization’s future growth.

Passion for the mission of the organization is essential. Offering my time and effort to host professional development for teachers of Italian has been a rewarding process. Teachers appreciate our dedication and our recognition of their professional commitment.
Patience and determination are required because challenges arise and must be overcome. Lack of funding from donors to our organization can be demoralizing. However, we never give up, and strive to find new ways to motivate our followers and members to give to The Italian Language Foundation, thereby supporting teachers and students of Italian.
Good communication skills — Finding appealing ways to announce new programs for students and teachers is an ongoing effort. Having talented young people to create social media posts and website content is a key element in our success as an organization. The new Giambelli Awards for Excellence, the Giambelli Culinary Awards, and the College Fellowships are exciting new programs all featured on the homepage of The Italian Language Foundation: www.italianlanguagefoundation.org
A committed board of directors is fundamental to the success of any nonprofit organization. Our board is engaged and generous, and that has been a major source of support. Having several board members in business, one former college president, a judge and a medical doctor provides a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. I am grateful to have a board that understands our mission, and supports it wholeheartedly.
Planning for the future leadership of the nonprofit is essential The Italian Language Foundation established the Emerging Leaders Council (ELC) whose members are postgraduate young professionals with an interest in Italian language and culture. My daughter, Marianna Cuomo Maier, a national board certified Health and Wellness Coach, and creator of Grata Wellness (gratawellness.com) is the leader and co-founder of the Emerging Leaders Council. Marianna plans social gatherings for ELC members, where they share their passion for Italian culture. In this way, a new generation of members in The Italian Language Foundation is formed and nurtured.

How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?

During the pandemic, we were all focused on staying alive and healthy. Basic human needs took precedence. While remote learning was in place, The Italian Language Foundation offered programs online, including an online leadership program for students, and professional development webinars for teachers of Italian. The Italian Language Foundation adapted to a new way of communicating and serving our students and teachers. It was an enlightening and humbling experience.

How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?

Challenges occur in every nonprofit organization, and to move forward in a positive and effective manner, it is essential to “keep your eyes on the prize.” Remember the mission of your organization, and with determination and patience, try to find solutions to the problems that arise. Collaboration with colleagues and members of your organization is the key to successful problem-solving. Being a good listener and accepting advice with humility and grace will allow you to be a more effective leader.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂

When I consider all the contemporary leaders that I admire, Oprah Winfrey comes to mind as a trailblazer and change-agent in arts and entertainment, politics, and philanthropy, fashion, and other important areas. She is truly a “woman of influence” whom I admire. Oprah Winfrey has demonstrated personal courage and candor, and her humanity resonates with many around the world. It would be an honor and privilege to speak with Oprah Winfrey about life and the future of America.

You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online and on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook?

The Italian Language Foundation has a robust website featuring its free programs for students and teachers of Italian nationwide:

www.italianlanguagefoundation.org

Instagram: @italianlanguagefoundation

LinkedIn: Italian Language Foundation, Inc.

Facebook: Italian Language Foundation

I can be found on LinkedIn.

Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.

About The Interviewer: Karen Mangia is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world, sharing her thought leadership with over 10,000 organizations during the course of her career. As Vice President of Customer and Market Insights at Salesforce, she helps individuals and organizations define, design and deliver the future. Discover her proven strategies to access your own success in her fourth book Success from Anywhere and by connecting with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

An Italian Language Reunion And Reaffirmation

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / June 1, 2024 / Blog /

By Margo Sorenson

It began so quietly—with a “rolled R”—which right away snapped me back in time to my special childhood in Italy. The “rolled R”—such a treasure! Linguists claim if we grow up speaking other languages before age seven, when “phoneme contraction” kicks in, decreasing our ability to make sounds, pronunciation of those languages will sound much like that of a real native speaker. The rolled R was what I grew up with as a child, speaking Italian in Napoli and Bari in la bella Italia. So, when we hear a signal like a rolled R, it means that the speaker grew up speaking a language from birth—not only studying it in school.

Where was it that I heard the rolled R that took me right back to my Italian childhood? You might think it could have been at one of our fun Italian Movie Nights with the Italian Club of Southern California, (grazie mille, Vicky Carabini, chair of Chapman University Italian Studies Council!) where we do hear a lot of rolled R’s. 😊 No—not there! It was at a regular weekly neighborhood coffee with some of our neighbors, and I was simply looking forward to hearing the latest news in the neighborhood and funny stories, most certainly not realizing I’d be given the precious gift of being able to revisit my childhood in Italy and the Italian language I try to still speak.

At the beginning of the coffee, one of the newcomers introduced herself, saying her last name, which sounded Italian, and rolled her R as she did so. I crossed my fingers for good luck, and, after the coffee, I asked her in Italian if she was Italian. Oh, my, her face lit up with a smile from ear to ear! After an exchange of backgrounds, liberally sprinkled with smiles and “Va bene così’s”, we agreed to chiacchierare once a month in Italian—I in order to be able to practice and renew my childhood memories, and she to speak her native Italian and relive her experiences—and to be very patient with my Italian!

We’re having so much fun, sharing our experiences about our growing up in Italy and the warm Italian culture—“Americans eat dinner so early and don’t understand why Italians eat so late,” and “There’s nothing so delicious as a mortadella sandwich” and “Cereal? There’s no breakfast cereal in Italy!” “You have to dress stylishly to go out to dinner—no sweatshirts!” It’s thoroughly enjoyable to hear her many stories, such as about her very Italian custom of cooking an Italian dinner for her grandson as a thank you when he comes to cut her grass—and her meals are so delicious that now his friends and his girlfriend invite themselves for dinner, as well! Yes, of course, they also help with the lawn. 😉 Naturally, being a good Italian nonna, she makes everything from scratch, her own pasta, the sauce, and she even grinds the meat for her own meatballs. She says cooking for friends and family brings her joy. For her birthday, she made herself jam tarts and brought us some as well, in typical Italian fashion, sharing with us her special celebration of buon compleanno. With her late husband, and with other family, she’s returned often to Italy. Her stories of family, of longtime friends, and of Italian meals are so heartwarming, filled with enthusiasm for the culture and history of la bella Italia, that they take me back to my childhood and my family’s own wonderful trips to Italy. It is precious to share laughter and memories together. As my friend Vicky Carabini says, “It’s a heritage of the heart.”

If you have the chance, please listen for the quiet little hints others may drop into a conversation because of pronunciations—or of references to Italy and its amazing culture. You may find yourself gifted with as special a friendship as I and my neighbor delight in sharing.

About the Author

Author of over thirty traditionally-published books for young readers, Margo Sorenson spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, devouring books and Italian food and still speaks (or tries!) her childhood languages. Her most recent Adult/Young Adult novel, SECRETS IN TRANSLATION (Fitzroy Books, October 2018), takes place in Positano, with heroine Alessandra, whose being able to speak Italian—with the authentic accent–helps her to feel at home in Italy, once again—and solve a mystery that threatens those she loves. Of course, Margo’s books make great gifts for adults and teens alike! For more information on ordering SECRETS IN TRANSLATION and Margo’s other kids’ books, please visit www.margosorenson.com.

Stella in Venice

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / May 20, 2024 / Blog /

By Anna Porto

Anna Porto is an Italian teacher at West Haven High School, Connecticut, for the last 13 years. She is a mom of a brave traveler, Stella. Since Stella was little, they travelled to Europe almost every summer to collect memories and enjoy new adventures.

I took my then 11-year old daughter to Italy for the very first time in June 2022. We took a ferry from Croatia and after a couple of hours we arrived in the scorching port of Venice. Traveling with kids has many benefits, but also many challenges. Would I recommend to others to take their young kids to travel across Europe? Absolutely!

When you ask Stella today about her memories from Venice, she always mentions that those three days were the hottest days on planet Earth. If you ask again, she starts remembering the fish market we stumbled upon, the many bridges we crossed and all different kinds of gelato we tried. Then she remembers the boats, the water, the canals and with an all knowing smile tells her friends that “Gondolas are a tourist trap. You should try to get on a vaporetto! ” She recommends, but she fails to mention that the hot Venetian summer caused her a mini heat stroke and we spend one whole day cooling off in the hotel room. She also doesn’t mention that the vaporetto ride lasted only one stop because she panicked and claimed she got seasick…

Then, with the expertise of a preteen she points to her Venetian glass bracelet: “The glass the Venetians made was more precious than gold? And did you know that you cannot feed the pigeons in Piazza San Marco? And also the coffee shops are called Bars? We found Bar Stellina, I swear.”

The hottest days of Stella’s life were filled with memories that she would not make in her comfy AC home in Connecticut. And the best part for me is just listening to her travel stories that she presents with fierce bravery to anybody willing to ask: “How did you like Venice, Stella?”

Studying Italian Changed The Trajectory of My Life

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / May 7, 2024 / Blog /

By Natalia Skyba, recipient of the Italian Language Foundation’s Enrico Fermi College Fellowship

My journey with the Italian language started back in elementary school. Watching the Italian cartoon Muzzy in Gondoland, I would never have imagined the way the Italian language would transform and enrich my life and that I would continue studying Italian language and culture to this day. I always loved studying languages, and I was attracted to the beauty of theItalian language. The smoothness and musicality of the language and its rich history captivated me, and I was motivated to pursue my passion for learning the Italian language and culture. This motivation pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I played the lead role of La Befana for a Christmas play my Italian class put on for friends, family, and members of the community. The community was amazed by how well my class performed and our pronunciation of Italian.

Throughout high school, my dedication to studying Italian deepened. I was enrolled in advanced Italian courses that my high school offered, and I successfully completed the AP Italian Exam during my senior year. I also received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy in Italian, and I won the Senior Star award for Italian. Throughout high school, I got the opportunity to complete many fascinating projects that deepened my knowledge about Italian culture. For example, I did a project on the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento which is a very popular attraction in Sicily, and I studied its history. I even built a 3D model of the Temple of Concordia for which I won an award for best Italian project at my high school competition.Furthermore, I also did a project with my friends on the Italian brand Ferrero Rocher. This project was incredibly fun to complete with my friends, not only because we indulged ourselves in my favorite sweet treat, but also because we made a video commercial in Italian advertising Ferrero Rocher. This video was then displayed at my high school’s annual Italian festival.

Moreover, even though the pandemic made studying the Italian language more difficult because my classmates and I studied remotely and we had class through Zoom meetings, my teacher helped bring the Italian culture to our homes. For example, my classmates, teacher, and I baked focaccia while on Zoom together and my teacher explained how the recipe of focaccia varies depending on the region in Italy. That experience is a memory I will cherish forever.

I was also a member of the Italian National Honor Society, and I was a secretary on the executive board. Part of my role was to help organize the annual Festa Italiana. The Festa Italiana is an event hosted by my high school in which students are inducted into the Italian

National Honor society, projects of Italian students are displayed all around the gymnasium, and local Italian restaurants cater a wide selection of authentic Italian foods. The Festa Italiana is one of the biggest events that my high school hosted, and it was always a huge hit with the entire community. Due to the pandemic, the Festa Italiana had to be moved online for one year. The theme for the festival that year was “Ma Il Cielo è Sempre Più Blu” or “But the Sky is Always More Blue” based on a song with an uplifting message by Rino Gaetano. My peers and I collaborated to create a heartwarming video displaying the work that Italian students did during the pandemic at home that was shared with the entire community.

Studying Italian changed the trajectory of my life. When I received the Barbanitini family scholarship, I decided to attend Dominican University. The scholarship required me to continue my studies in Italian and allowed me to pursue a degree in both neurobiology and Italian. I was ecstatic to begin my journey pursuing two passions simultaneously and studying both science and Italian. Even though neurobiology and Italian are seemingly two very different majors, it is incredible when these two worlds collide. For example, in my Italian Civilization and Culture II course, I did an extensive presentation on Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist who worked in Chicago, Illinois and is famously known as the architect of the nuclear age. Additionally, Italian has helped me in my science courses. For instance, knowing the Italian language has helped me understand and memorize many medical terms for my Medical Terminology course and my Human Anatomy and Physiology courses because many medical terms use Latin roots.

Recently, I studied Dante’s Divine Comedy, including Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. I even studied several cantos in depth written in Italian. It was very interesting to read Dante’s original text and compare what I thought Dante meant to say to the reader and what the translator wrote in the translation.

Additionally, I enjoy exploring Italian culture in my own free time. For example, my friends and I went to Little Italy, which is a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. There we marveled at the beautiful architecture of the buildings in the neighborhood. During the field trip, we got a tour of the spectacular church called The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. We also explored The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame which was very fascinating to see the various exhibits. Then, we went to Pompei, a family-owned cafeteria-style restaurant which has been serving Italian dishes and desserts since 1909. There I had a cappuccino with tiramisu. Their popular tiramisu is a family recipe and contains layers of ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liquor with cocoa and mascarpone. When I tasted the tiramisu, I was astounded by the explosion of flavors and the wonderful creaminess of the desert.

On another trip with my friends, we went to downtown Chicago and stopped at the Eataly Italian restaurant. This restaurant is a modern trattoria and market for Italian goods. There my friends and I tried out a few sweet treats. We bought Baci Perugina which is an iconic Italian chocolate and baci is the Italian word for kisses. This chocolatey mix with hazelnuts was incredibly delicious. We also tried torrone which is a traditional Italian nougat candy which had a surprising pillowy and soft texture and a wonderful sweet flavor.

I also continue to practice and enjoy Italian culture outside of class. For example, I enjoy listening to Italian music. Studying a language can be difficult at times. When I face challenges during my Italian studies, I turn on my favorite Italian music. As I listen to the melodious language, my stress melts away and my passion for learning the language is rekindled. Some of my favorite Italian artists include Francesco Gabbani, Il Volo, Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, Mahmood, and Fred de Palma.

Last month, I was inducted into the National Italian Honor Society Gamma Kappa Alpha which is a huge honor, and I was proud to take the oath that I will stay true to my dreams, never stray from my beliefs, and carry forth the traditions that have made Italians great.

Embracing the Italian Lifestyle for Holistic Health and Happiness

THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE FOUNDATION / April 23, 2024 / Blog /

My name is Marianna Cuomo Maier, and I am a founding member of the Emerging Leaders Council of the Italian Language Foundation. Professionally, I’m a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and founder of Grata Wellness, a coaching practice and blog with a mission to empower individuals to take daily actions that improve their lifestyle, boost confidence, and achieve their goals sustainably. I chose the name Grata inspired by the Italian root for gratitude as it’s a powerful tool to shift our mindset and view life from a perspective of gratitude.

As a wellness expert, I’m inspired by the traditional Italian lifestyle that naturally embraces holistic health. Italians live vibrant, active lives with a focus on wholesome cuisine, consistent physical activity, leisure, regular social interaction, and joy.

In Italy, mealtime is about more than the cuisine. Food is generally locally sourced, prepared at home, and shared as a group. Research supports the health of the Mediterranean way of eating, embracing plant-based whole foods and healthy fats, proven to lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Many Italians live an active lifestyle and walk throughout their day. The Italian custom of una passeggiata, a leisurely walk, has numerous health benefits for mind and body.

Rest and leisure are widely prioritized in Italian culture and are crucial to productivity and happiness.

Perhaps nothing is more important in Italian culture than the people. Expressing love and affection and making time to nurture relationships are key.

Each of us can strive to take time each day to focus on our mental and physical well-being. We can all gain inspiration from the Italian lifestyle to laugh a little more, keep things in perspective, and fully enjoy life’s pleasures.

For more personalized guidance and support, please send an email to [email protected] or book a coaching consultation to begin your wellness journey today.