[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12172-12173]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF ITALIAN AMERICAN WOMEN AS THEY 
                    CELEBRATE THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
join all of those who have gathered in congratulating the National 
Organization of Italian American Women as they celebrate their 25th 
Anniversary. This is a very special milestone for this outstanding 
organization.
  Twenty-five years ago, a small group of Italian American women 
gathered in the Upper West Side apartment of Aileen Riotto Sirey. That 
meeting and their desire to assist other Italian American women and 
develop a nationwide network of women sharing a common ancestry sparked 
the formation of the National Organization of Italian American Women. 
Through their commitment to this effort, NOIAW members have developed a 
very successful scholarship and mentoring program and also offer a 
variety of educational and social programs. Today, NOIAW has a strong 
membership and is well-known as a resource for other Italian American 
women pursuing their own educational and professional aspirations.
  Throughout our nation's history, Italian Americans have played a 
pivotal role in the success and progress of America. The myriad of 
invaluable contributions that those of Italian ancestry have made to 
this Nation are immeasurable. Musicians, artists, doctors. lawyers, 
politicians, teachers, activists, and more--the credits of Italian 
Americans can be found in professional and civic services across 
America. As an annual celebration of pride in their ethnic heritage, 
NOIAW recognizes the achievements of today's outstanding Italian 
Americans.
  As they mark their 25th Anniversary, NOIAW will also honor three 
inspiring individuals who have each distinguished themselves in their 
respective careers. Lisa Caputo Nowak is an astronaut and Commander in 
the U.S. Navy and will become the first Italian American woman in space 
with the launch of STS-21 to the International Space Station in the 
near future. Patricia de Stacy Harrison is the current Assistant 
Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Prior to her 
appointment, she founded and managed a top public relations firm and 
has also served as the co-chair of the Republican National Committee. 
NOIAW's Special Recognition Award will be presented to Antonio 
Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Sbarro Institute for Cancer 
Research and Molecular Medicine. Dr. Giordano is internationally 
renowned for his research in cell cycle, gene therapy, and the

[[Page 12173]]

genetics of cancer. The accomplishments of these individuals and their 
outstanding contributions to our Nation will certainly stand as an 
inspiration for generations to come.
  In sharing and celebrating our ethnic heritage, NOIAW has built a 
strong network of women and supporters who are ensuring that future 
generations can achieve their dreams. Their mission to support, mentor, 
and encourage the professional and personal success of other Italian 
American women is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of 
women throughout the country. It is with great pride that I stand today 
and extend my sincere congratulations to the National Organization of 
Italian American Women on their 25th Anniversary. In just a short time 
they have already touched the lives of so many, and I send my very best 
wishes to the board and its membership for many more years of success!

                          ____________________