Trisha Volpe, Executive Director
Trisha is extremely passionate about all things Italian. She majored in Italian Studies at Temple University and studied twice at Temple Rome before ultimately moving to Italy for almost 10 years to work. She also studied for a Masters Degree in Italian Studies at the University of Bologna. She has lived in Montella and Rome and has visited almost every Italian region. Her experience involves working for an Italian pharmaceutical company in Campania and translating documents/interpreting for the American FDA, working as an English teacher for the Italian government at Palazzo Chigi in Rome, working as an Italian teacher and creating an Italian program at an elementary school in Palm Beach County, Florida. During her time in Italy, she also worked for many years as a luxury travel planner, and worked alongside famed tenor, Andrea Bocelli, in creating tours of his vineyards and his concerts in Tuscany. Trisha is now proud to be the Executive Director of Filitalia International as her passion aligns with the mission to preserve and promote the Italian language, culture, and heritage throughout the world.
Nicholas Santangelo, Assistant Executive Director
Nicholas Santangelo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in the neighboring communities across the Delaware River in Cherry Hill and Medford, New Jersey. After moving to Medford, Nicholas was accepted to Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, a prestigious private co-ed High School in the Tri-State area. While at Eustace, Nick won the Bishop Eustace Leadership in Music Award & The John Philip Sousa Award. The second being a national award to honor the top student in high school band as it recognizes musicianship and outstanding dedication of the senior year member of the band.
Mr. Santangelo graduated from Rider University, located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey with Cum Laude Honors after successfully pursuing a Bachelors Degree in History and a Minor in Film and Media studies. As of April 2019, he had been appointed as the Assistant Director of Filitalia Foundation, a position he has strive to grow himself into. He looks to further strengthen the bound with his familial ancestral homeland through the study of the Italian Language as well as social & cultural events, many of which are aimed at inspiring & allowing the younger Italian Americans to embrace their roots & place in the city of Philadelphia.
Aside from his accomplishments in history, archival studies, & Filitalia International, he has taught Italian students Business English & resources to produce a resume & acquire a job. He is also a freelance session & gigging musician, who also teachers across the tri-state area at such locations as The Pinelands Music Academy in Medford, NJ.
Interns- Spring 2023
Makayla Mortarti
Makayla Anja Montarti is a student of Italian Studies at Temple University. After spending almost a whole year in Rome, she decided to go headfirst into languages and is pursuing a career in translation.
Kevin Flynn
Kevin Flynn is a Senior History student attending Holy Family University. He currently interns at the museum, assisting in social media, website development, and the weekly “il Telegramma” newsletter. After graduating, Kevin intends to go on and work in a museum when he graduates from Holy Family.