Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Salvatore Sciacca was raised in the Chicago area, but he was immersed in the culture of Sicily throughout his childhood. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were born in the Sicilian town of Ciminna, and the family spent six weeks each summer on that storied isle.
As he matured, Sciacca broadened his scope, signing up for four years of Italian language classes in college, taking trips every few years to Italy and joining several local groups for young Italian-American adults.
In 2014, he took his devotion to his roots to the next level with the creation of Chicagoland Italian American Professionals. “Our group is an excellent place for Italians, Italian Americans and Italiopihles to come together and connect,” Sciacca says. “Our members have an instant rapport because we share a passion for all things Italian.”
The president and founder of Chicago Property Service, Sciacca prides himself on the networking opportunities CIAP creates. “Members are able to grow their businesses because there are so many business owners and professionals in our group,” Sciacca points out. A weekly online networking breakfast and regular mixers and cultural events are among the group’s current offerings. “We’re particularly excited about our trip to Sicily next year,” Sciacca says.
The group is governed by a five-member board of directors, with Sciacca serving as executive director and president, Loredana Sciortino as secretary, Darin Daniels as treasurer, Jolean Olson as member-at-large and Vita Di Pasca as member-at-large.
Memberships range from student to large business, with a host of benefits associated with each category. (chicagolanditalians.com)
