Women Take the Presidency and Vice Presidency at Comites NY. Barbara Pelachin Marciandi is, in fact, the new president of Comites New York. The appointment was made unanimously during the organization’s 29th assembly, held in the presence of the Consul General of Italy in New York, Giuseppe Pastorelli. This institutional transition marks not only a change in leadership, but also a symbolic moment for Italian representation overseas. Ornella Fado has been confirmed as Vice President.
“She looks at the Brooklyn Bridge imagining that on the other side she arrives in Europe.” reads her profile.
Pelachin Marciandi will remain in office until the end of 2026, supported by a partially reconfirmed team: Ornella Fado as Vice President and Enrico Zanon as Treasurer. It was precisely the latter’s resignation, which took place at the end of last December, that paved the way for this new configuration.
For the first time in the history of the New York Comites, the two top positions are held by women: a clear sign of progress and representation within the Italian and Italian-American community.
“I hope to fulfill my duties with responsibility,” stated the newly elected president. “I am dedicating my time, my skills, and my commitment to the community. I believe it is essential to be transparent, consistent, and present, building a constant dialogue with local associations and organizations.”
Originally from Milan, where she earned a degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from IULM University, Pelachin Marciandi combines a solid career in the private sector—where she served as general manager—with a growing commitment to volunteer work. Today she teaches Italian and history in high schools, maintaining a direct connection with the younger generation.
The meeting also marked the arrival of two new board members: Paolo Tartamella, a journalist for America Oggi until the pandemic and now a special education teacher, and Marco Cortigiani, a Florentine, former rugby coach, and currently involved in technology training.
Comites—which represents the Italian communities of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Bermuda—now presents a renewed team: alongside President Pelachin Marciandi, Vice President Ornella Fado, and Treasurer Enrico Zanon, the board members are Elisabetta Sanino D’Amanda, Franco Caramagna, Riccardo Costa, Salvatore Ingraffia, Pasquale Masullo, Leide Porcu, Joe Rizzi, Paolo Tartamella, and Marco Cortigiani.
Comites New York represents Italian nationals in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Bermuda in their dealings with embassies and consulates.
It represents the Italian and Italian-American communities by promoting their interests, mobility, and the historical memory of Italian immigration.
“Through initiatives, meetings, and events, we aim to help strengthen that bond with the motherland, promoting Italian identity and Made in Italy through an understanding of history, culture, traditions, and language. Furthermore, many of our efforts are aimed at stimulating political action, through the involvement of institutional representatives, on the issues most important to communities abroad, regarding the services and attention they need and are entitled to.”
A new phase thus begins for the Comites of New York, marked by continuity but also by a renewed focus on representation, participation, and dialogue with an increasingly diverse and dynamic community.
