FRANCESCA FANTETTI

Nickname: Franchess or Chesca Occupation: Architecture and design Age: 25 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Bonefro (Campobasso), Molise Mom’s side from: Agropoli (Salerno), Campania Raised in: Bolton, Ontario Speaks: English If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? My Nonna Anna’s pizza and my Nonna Elisa’s Sunday pasta, specifically her lasagna. What’s an Italian tradition you want to carry on? Making sugo every year with the family What advice would you give five-year-old you? To believe in who I am no matter how others might make me feel, to be confident and live unapologetically. I would remind myself that I am enough and capable. Who are you named after? My name was chosen by my mom, who not only thought it was important to maintain our Italian heritage, but envisioned her daughter to be just as elegant, sophisticated and individual as the name reflects. Favourite Italian expression and why: “Se metti il piede su ogni pietra, non arriverai mai a casa” (if you put your foot on each stone, you will never arrive home). This quote has been said time and time again by my Nonna Anna throughout many difficult points in my life. She reminds me to not dwell on the negative or insignificant, but rather remember what matters most. It’s okay to not stress over things that do not serve you any good. Focus on your strides and where you choose to place your foot, only then can you reach your destination. What do you want your legacy to be? I hope the individuals in my life will remember me for how I lived being true to myself and for my values, while treating others with dignity, patience, fairness and love. I hope to leave a positive legacy on all the lives that I will touch or pass me by. What makes you most proud to be Italian-Canadian? I am proud of our dominance and national influence in cuisine, art, music, fashion, architecture, construction, history and much more. Growing up in a small Italian-Canadian community, I am proud to be a part of a culture that has worked so hard for a better life and who would do anything for the people they love. Italians have a strong sense of togetherness, support and respect for one another. I believe we are united from this and make the world a stronger place.

Michael Robert Fallone

Nickname: Mike Occupation: Commercial real estate lawyer

Age: 28 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Cattolica Eraclea (Agrigento), Sicily and Sora (Frosinone), Lazio Mom’s side from: Bari, Puglia Raised in: Woodbridge, Ontario Speaks: English If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? My nonna’s pasta e fagioli What’s an Italian tradition you want to carry on? I believe the classic Sunday family lunch/ dinner is an important Italian tradition to pass on. I would also like to pass on the tradition of making Italian sausage with my nonno. What advice would you give five-year-old you? Health and family are the most important things in life. Maybe I’d give some investment advice, like to buy Bitcoin and sell before 2022. Who are you named after? Michael Corleone from The Godfather Favourite Italian expression and why: “Salute”. In my opinion, there is no better way to end a family toast. What do you want your legacy to be? My family contributions would be my most important life accomplishment. Supporting my future children, spouse and grandchildren, as well as my parents, siblings and grandparents is how I wish to be remembered. What makes you most proud to be Italian-Canadian? Many Italian immigrants (especially from the south of Italy) were discriminated against in the early to mid-1900s. Despite this discrimination, they persevered through hard-work and created a better life for the generations that followed.

BY MICHELLE JOBIN

Last October Genoa hosted the 10th edition of Mirabilia, a convention on cultural tourism for the promotion of the territories and the UNESCO sites of Italy. ICCO Canada, in collaboration with Promos Italia was present at the event to promote investment opportunities and new tourist destinations in the Liguria region. TV Personality, producer and writer Michelle Jobin travelled to Genoa for us to discover some of the hidden gems of the Italian Riviera.