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About Us

Italian American Leadership Forum

The Italian American Leadership Forum (IALF) is an association of major Italian American organizations representing the needs of an estimated 18 million Americans of Italian heritage. The IALF serves as a mechanism to discuss, debate and act on the most important public policy issues facing our community. We are a coordinative body, providing a spiritual bond that encourages, supports and assists the membership to build consensus and advance our shared goals.

A group of formally dressed men stand outdoors during a ceremony, with one man presenting a framed portrait of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano to another.
Dignitaries gather during a commemorative ceremony as a framed portrait of Giovanni da Verrazzano is presented in honor of the 500th anniversary of his 1524 expedition.

Mission Statement

The Italian American Leadership Forum (IALF) is a consortium of the five major and emerging Italian American organizations representing the interests of more than 18 million Americans of Italian heritage. As a coordinative umbrella body, IALF provides a trusted forum to discuss, debate, and act on the most important public policy issues and cultural priorities facing our community.
We unite member and affiliate organizations in a spirit of communication, collaboration, and shared purpose, offering resources, guidance, and mutual support to help each group achieve its goals. Guided by a commitment to unity, representation, and cultural pride, we work to promote positive imaging of Italian culture and heritage, eliminate prejudice and bias, and ensure that our heritage continues to thrive.
Together, we amplify the collective voice of Italian Americans, celebrate our contributions, and foster a lasting legacy of leadership for future generations.

Vision Statement

The Italian American Leadership Forum (IALF) seeks to foster a united and dynamic Italian-American community and give affiliated organizations, national or local, established or emerging, a voice and the resources to thrive.
As the nation’s leading coalition for Italian American associations, we aspire to be the central forum for dialogue, consensus-building, and coordinated action on cultural, civic, and policy matters.
Through collaboration and mutual support, we aim to preserve our heritage, elevate the public image of Italian Americans, and empower future generations to lead with pride and purpose.