FIAME
(Forum of Italian American Educators)
Celebrating Italian Heritage, Honoring Educational Excellence, and Supporting Future Generations Since 1978
Our Mission Statement
The Forum of Italian American Educators (FIAME) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian language, culture, and heritage within our schools and communities, recognizing the outstanding achievements of educators and school leaders, and empowering deserving students through academic scholarships.
Why FIAME Exists
Founded by educators who believed in the power of cultural pride and academic mentorship, FIAME exists to serve four core purposes:
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: Keeping Italian history, language, and traditions vibrant for a new generation of students and families.
- Honoring Dedicated Educators: Recognizing public, parochial, and independent school teachers, principals, and community leaders who go above and beyond.
- Investing in Student Futures: Awarding college scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate academic dedication and pride in their heritage.
- Building Community & Connection: Providing a welcoming professional network where educators can collaborate, share ideas, and support one another.
Vision:
The forum of Italian American Educators is a non-profit educational organization which has been active and growing since 1978. The Forum of Italian American Educators seeks to enhance the promotion of the Italian Culture for a new generation of Italian Americans. Respect to the past and optimism for the future governs this organization. This organization celebrates the achievements of educators in both the Catholic and Public Schools. The Forum of Italian American Educators (FIAME) provides scholarships to assist Italian American high school students in furthering their education.
| To the Italian American Educator | To the Italian American Community | To the Italian American Students: | To the Italian Americans and Our Neighbors: |
| – Honoring professional growth – Honoring Italian American Educators who have exemplified leadership qualities | – Promoting pride and awareness of Italian American culture and heritage – Promoting a positive self-image within the Italian American community which will serve as a springboard for improving inter- ethnic relations – Promoting Italian through Italian language courses | – Providing an awareness to the educational community regarding the cultural heritage of Italian American students – Providing financial assistance to high school seniors through our Scholarship Program | – Fostering the values of family and community in schools – Fostering cross-cultural communication in our communities and in our school system – Fostering and defending the educational rights of all children regardless of the ethnic or religious background – Fostering and defending the educational rights of all children regardless of the ethnic or religious background |
Our Events Throughout the Year
FIAME hosts cultural, educational, and fundraising gatherings throughout the academic year to bring members and the community together:
| Season | Event | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (October / November) | Italian Heritage Celebration & Annual Book Talk | An evening featuring acclaimed Italian American authors, cultural discussions, and fellowship. |
| Winter (January / February) | General Membership & Planning Meeting | A gathering for members to connect, review award nominations, and plan spring initiatives. |
| Spring (April) | Annual Awards Dinner Dance | Our signature gala honoring distinguished educators, principals, and community leaders. |
| Spring (May / June) | Annual Scholarship Night | Recognizing and presenting college scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors. |
Membership Information
Membership in FIAME is open to active and retired teachers, principals, school administrators, educational staff, and supporters who share a commitment to education and Italian American heritage.
Member Benefits
- Invitations to all annual lectures, book talks, and networking events
- Eligibility to nominate colleagues for annual Educator & Principal Awards
- Opportunities to serve on scholarship and event committees
- Updates on cultural programs and educational initiatives
How to Join
- Complete an Application: Download our membership form (see below) or email us at FIAMENYC@gmail.com
- Submit Annual Dues: Annual membership is $25.00 per year (payable by check or online).
- Get Involved: Receive our event calendar and join us at our next gathering.
| 2026-27 Executive Board Members | Past Presidents/Trustees |
| Rosa Leoncini President Ray Vitiello Vice President Scholarship Committee Kristy Falotico Treasurer Phyllis Nastasio Corresponding/Recording Secretary Lisa Befanis Membership Secretary Joanne Rubino Journal Chair / Development Coordinator Patricia Cambria Journal Co-chair Josephine Fanelli/Roseann Carotenuto Catholic School Liaison Maryann Gorman Historian Michael Marketta/Benjamin Soccodato Community Relations Elaine Mercante Good/Welfare Rosemary Mercora/Nicole Gerri Dinner Dance Coordinator Dr. Walter Nino Filippo Galiano Technology Coordinator Dana Falciglia/Maria Velella Event Coordinators | Past Presidents Guy Stella Dom Capone Dr. Anthony Lentini Dr. Michele Cataldi Joseph P. Cordasco Fran Coglitore Frank Fasolino Joseph Solanto Christina D’Angelo Elaine Mercante MaryAnn Gorman Josephine Fanelli Rosemary Mercora Trustees Yolanda Carozza Angela Mueller Carol Solanto Geri Stella Martha Verrilli Fran Coglitore Josephine DePace |
https://www.instagram.com/fiamebronx?utm_source=qr
Contact FIAME: Have questions about membership, awards, or upcoming events? Email us at FIAMENYC@gmail.com].
