Italians are known for their vibrant culture worldwide, and when I hear the term, "it takes a village," I think of Vicky Colarossi Carabini, a woman who serves as her own village promoting Italian culture throughout Southern California. Please give a warm welcome to Vicky as one of our featured guests for Italian Heritage Month. Since 2007, Vicky Carabini has served as Ambassador to San Juan Capistrano's Sister City, Capestrano, Italy. She is Chair of the Italian Studies Council and Board Member of the Ferrucci Institute at Chapman University, which has one of the most active Italian Studies programs in the country. Vicky is also Regional VP for the National Italian American Foundation, aka NIAF, which promotes Italian heritage at its highest level through programs based out of D.C., and she's working hard to ensure California has a large presence within the organization. Vicky is also forever hosting fundraisers, Italian film nights, parades and food drives to keep the Italian community actively involved in Orange County where she lives. And if you're looking for something to do, check out her newsletter that keeps So Cal peeps informed on all things Italian. Why does this all matter? Because to keep our culture, or any culture alive and active within a community, it requires committed involvement, and that's Vicky. In 2003, Vicky and her husband, Michael, purchased a farmhouse in southern Tuscany and have been producing olive oil ever since. She and her family have since attained Italian citizenship and are now residents of Sarteano, where the farmhouse is located. In recognition of her work in 2020, Silvia Chiave, then Consul General of Italy in Los Angeles, knighted Vicky Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. This honor is one of Italy's highest recognitions for Italians abroad and is awarded to those who distinguish themselves through philanthropy, cultural advocacy, research, and strengthening international ties. Bravo, Vicky! The world is such a complicated place, and the more we give and get involved in our communities, the better place it will be. Being of Italian heritage myself, I wanted to open this discussion with Vicky about how we can all be better stewards to our heritage and community, and we'll talk about that. Please welcome Vicky Colarossi Carabini on all video and audio platforms of #LittleItalyPodcast, #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast, and #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here. @mammabini #italians #italianamerican #italianculture

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