On October 6, 2016, from 10am to 3pm the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute [2] invites guests to honor the publication of Forty Years of Italian American Civil Service Employment in New York City and New York State. Written by Vincenzo Milione [3], Itala Pelizzoli [4], and Carmine Pizzirusso [5], this study covers extensive research from 1980 to 2010 regarding the achievements of Italian American government employees in the New York City and State radius.

The three authors will be present at the event to further explain the contents of their research. Furthermore, four featured individuals from the book will host a commentary panel from 10:45 – 12:00—Matilda Cuomo [6], a former NY State First lady; Daniel Nigro [7], a NYC Fire Commissioner; Diane Savino, a NY State Senator; and Thomas J. Abinati, a NY State Assemblyman, along with other speakers.

Forty Years of Italian American Civil Service Employment in New York City and New York State is comprised of those who had careers in law enforcement, human resources, and education, along with occupations in fields such as management and volunteer work. Their tales center around their climb up the competitive latter throughout their varied fields of municipality.

The research reveals fascinating patterns in the Italian American workforce, such as how the gender gap increasingly shrinks as more and more men and women work for the same positions with the same college degrees. It shows those who were granted tenure, occupational changes, and occupational advancement through attaining higher degrees and, of course, is an accolade to their hard work.

This type of research is a tribute to various types of Italian American civil laborers. It is a dedication to generations from parents, grandparents, to great grandparents, who came from Italy to the United States seeking new opportunities. The values of hard work are harvested deep into what it means to be an Italian American. Therefore, the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute has offered to celebrate the publication of this book and generations of Italian Americans by hosting just a few of the incredible civil workers that have left their mark on a place many call home.