Embark on an emotional odyssey with Diane Marie Pisera as she recounts her voyage from the picturesque Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to the bustling heartbeat of New York State. In her narratives of youthful summers spent in Calabria and the significant life shift of immigrating to America, Pisera’s story is a vibrant canvas of nostalgia, love, and the enduring spirit of an immigrant’s journey. Her recent engagement in the cobblestoned town of Tropea adds yet another heartfelt chapter to her tale, underscoring the profound connections that bind us to our places of origin.
Our conversation then weaves through the entrepreneurial endeavors that define our collective heritage. I reflect on my own family’s past, from my grandfather’s American business success in the bridal wear industry. These narratives are not just personal recollections, but a testament to the entrepreneurial flame that flickers in the hearts of those with Italian roots. Diane’s transition from candle making to marketing, and the inspiration behind her podcast “Passport to Thrive,” further illustrate how a lineage of enterprise continues to shape our aspirations and actions today.
Finally, we turn to the transformative magic of travel, urging our listeners to embark on their own paths of discovery, whether through the lens of a tourist or the ambition of a budding entrepreneur. We dissect the cultural threads that connect Italian Americans to their ancestry and muse over how traditions, such as hip hop, can fortify identities across generations. The episode culminates with the evocative experience of visiting the Vatican amidst the uncertainties of COVID-19, a poignant reminder of the complex world we navigate. Together with Diane, we invite you to join us in celebrating the intricate mosaic of Italian culture, entrepreneurship, and the unyielding quest for personal growth.
Immigrating from Italy with her mom at nine years old has given Diane Marie the grit and resilience to start her own business to reshape generational legacies and create her own American Dream.
An immigrant, entrepreneur, podcast host, and speaker Diane Marie is multifaceted founder, who promotes building an intentional online presence as a tool to expand reach and to create a brand with heritage that leaves a legacy.
She has spoken at Iona University and diverse corporate branding and marketing workshops. Additionally, she earned recognition as a Top LinkedIn Creator, showcased on a Times Square billboard.
Currently residing in Westchester County, NY, she actively contributes to the local economy and educates the community on personal branding, social media, and leveraging AI for effective business marketing.
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For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.
The Journey Home — Day 9 — Montebello/Fossato Calabria
Click here to join out Facebook group The drive from Scilla to Montebello is about an hour and on the way we stopped to view the mountain “ghost town” Pentedattilo, which is derived from the Greek language and means five fingers. You can read the interesting story of two barons here. Our day in Montebello and Fossato turned out to be one of the more special days. Mostly due to my cousin Cinzia Piromallo (
The Journey Home — Day 8 — Scilla Calabria
Click here to join out Facebook group Day 8 had us taking the train from Naples to Scilla. When Gianfranco picked us up he asked if we had pastry at Gran Cafe Gambrinus the day before. When we said no that we did not have the chance. “We have time, we’ll go now” was the answer. You can’t refuse Gianfranco. We hated to say goodbye at the station as Gianfranco became a real friend. The
Calabria Roots
Teresa talks about when, how and why she started her research and found her family in Calabria. She also tells an amazing story about the amazing broach that arrived from Italy Uncle Guiseppi Pellegrino…..WWI he was an Morse Code operater My Nonno Francesco Pellegrino and his Pennsylvania van…he was a chauffer unknown bride and groom but 3 cousins in this pic..Teresa, Salvatore, and Donetta Mannarino cousins…L-R Savaria, Teresa, Salvatore, and Antonia(Donetta) my Nonna’s children here
History of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Friuli–Venezia Giulia, regione(region) of northeastern Italy, bordering Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the south, and the Veneto region to the west. It has an area of 3,030 square miles (7,847 square km), comprising the province(provinces) of Udine, Pordenone, Gorizia, and Trieste. Collina in the Carnic AlpsVillage of Collina in the Carnic Alps, Friuli-Venezia Giulia regione, Italy.Pierinut In the north the solid wall of the Carnic Alps, broken only
History of Calabria Italy
Little did I know, that when I began my family research, that I would have ancestors from Calabria. The Piromallo family was originally from Barcelona, Spain and eventually move to Naples. The “capostipite” or founder of the family was Count Domenico Piromallo, who died heroically, as commander of the Castle of Crotone in 1528. There’s not too much history to be found on the family until Francesco Antonio purchased Barony of Montebello in 1755 from
Montebello Ionico Count Giacomo
Drawing of the Palazzo Piromallo in the 19th Century Little did I know that when I began the research into my ancestors that I would be led to Montebello Ionico Count Giacomo. My paternal grandmother’s name PIROMALLO, is not a very common name in Italy. In previous posts Piromallo Capece Piscicelli and Nicola Piromallo I go through some of that research, so I won’t repeat it all here. How I learned about the connection to
