CIBPA , new generation of leaders
TORONTO – “We have to motivate the next generation if we want to maintain our identity, our values and our strength”. That is probably the longest-standing lament uttered by every socio-cultural organization “worth its salt”. It is also a ‘tenet” at the base of sound business, political, religious structures that endure, survive and adapt to change.
The Italian Canadian community, gifted as it is with individuals and small collectives focused goals, nonetheless still proceeds tentatively with structure-building that could/would take the entire collective to its long-overdue pride of place in the halls of power, economic and socio-cultural institutions. From a personal point of view, I and the Corriere are not immune from this criticism. I saw encouraging glimpses of change at the Youth- led networking event held at the Columbus Centre, Thursday, July 23.
It took place under the auspices and guidance of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA), more specifically the executive of the Youth Wing: three young ladies who happen to be daughters of Senior Executive members (see pictures elsewhere on these pages).
Obviously, the group of guests highlighted the quality of the contributions made by others who preceded them generationally in the competitive world; some young, others more mature. No matter, the fact that they were there is a credit to the three ladies and the people they represent.
Even if relatively small (it is a first-time event), just think for a moment about the eclectic group they attracted and the nation-wide reputation they accrue to all members of the Canadian Italian community. Without intending to slight anyone in this order: Lucia Cesaroni, Canadian Opera singer with international acclaim and who will debut in Toronto this September. Corriere will be there. Anthony Pullano, Canadian artist who has been featured by Corriere (see article on our website, June 10, 2025, clicking here).
Dr. professor Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and VP at Toronto Metropolitan University (our community expects her to be installed as President before the end of this year. Of course there were elected officials at the federal Parliament, Vince Gasparro MP and at the Legislature, Michelle Cooper MPP.
The Chair of the York Catholic District School Board, Maria Iafrate, was a sought-after personality for having brought Heritage Calabria’ s Chef Luciano Schipano, President of CIPBA Sabrina Marrelli and former colleague (ret.) Bob Sacco to the partnership with the YCDSB for Italian studies. Dr. Anna Garito has now been entrusted to operationalize the program.
Thanks to their parents these young ladies have already reached out to the Accounting/Banking sectors and the service Industry (Domenic Miele of Monte Carlo Inns, for example) sectors. I was very pleased to see a former student John Lettieri of National Cheese and now of Hero Certified Burgers fame in attendance.
Corriere will have much to write about with this group going forward. For now, Auguri, ad maiora.
Here below is a photogallery from the event (photos: Corriere Canadese – CIBPA)
