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VILLA CHARITIES

YOUNG ARTIST GRANT

A national grant program to support emerging artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film.

Guided by Villa Charities’ vision to inspire the Italian in all of us, the Young Artist Grant was established in 2023 as a biannual fund to support emerging artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music, and film.

 

Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Young Artist Grant program.

 

Read the Press Release

Congratulations to the 2025 Young Artist Grant Winners

Winners and Honourable Mention collage

About The Young Artist Grant

The objective of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists who are either of Italian heritage, or who are developing projects that are inspired by and reflect the essence of Italian culture. 

 

The 2025 Young Artist Grant distributed a total of $15,000.00 to three (3) creative projects by young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. 

 

The selection and evaluation process are conducted by a Selection Committee. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:00pm EDT.

On August 31, 2023, Villa Charities announced the launch of their Young Artist Grant, a national grant program established to support young Italian Canadian artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music and film. The aim of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.

This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in our community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.

In 2023, Villa Charities will award a total of $15,000, to be disbursed to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage.

The selection and evaluation process will be conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category. Grants will be awarded by Villa Charities at the end of 2023.

2025 Young Artist Grant Winners

Category: Fictional Literature

Winner: Polina Trofimova-Sylvestre, Oshawa, ON 

Creative Project: “Nonna’s Hidden Tales“ (Graphic Novel)

 

“Nonna’s Hidden Tales” is an illustrated children’s graphic novel for ages 4–6. The story follows a shy boy who spends a week at his Nonna’s home. Feeling out of place among the lively family gatherings, he discovers a dusty shelf of old fairy-tale books in the basement. As he reads the stories, his confidence grows, and by the end of the week he transforms into a bold young storyteller who captivates the entire family.

 

The project introduces Italian folklore through warm, whimsical illustrations and encourages children to explore their own surroundings with curiosity. It celebrates cultural heritage, the magic of reading, and the power of storytelling to inspire confidence, imagination, and a sense of belonging.

 

Category: Music

Winner: Julia D’Ascanio, Woodbridge, ON 

Creative Project: “The Roots Of The Fig Tree” (EP) 

 

“The Roots Of The Fig Tree” is the working title for the upcoming Extended Play (EP) by Canadian Italian vocalist, Julia D’Ascanio. Inspired by the unwavering love and support characteristic of Italian families, this EP will be dedicated to her parents, grandparents, and the generations who came before them. Julia’s goal is to honour the support she has always had from her family and create a musical body that gives back to them, and reflects the sacrifices, resilience, and triumphs of Italian immigrants. The narrative arc of the EP progresses from familial perspective to Julia’s personal, present-day voice, illustrating how the lives of past generations have made her creative journey possible.

 

Lyrically and thematically, this EP will use nature and landscape as a connecting thread between the physical environments of Italy and Canada, reflecting both the journey of migration and the emotional growth that comes with it. Nature serves a metaphor for generational change, familial growth, and cultural adaptation.

 

Category: Film

Winner: Massimo Russo, Toronto, ON 

Creative Project: “A440” (Short Film)

 
“A440” is a coming-of-age story of a young boy, his Nonno, and music. Dante is a rambunctious kid, always getting into trouble at school and at home. In stark contrast, his Nonno is a simple man: work hard, spend time with family, play the guitar. In an effort to bring structure and responsibility to Dante’s mischievous ways, Nonno teaches Dante about the discipline of music and craft of playing guitar. As Dante grows up and gets busier an inevitable distance grows between him and Nonno, making their bond through music even more important.

 

“A440” is a love letter to the Italian family, the care we have for each other, the responsibilities we shoulder in life, and the bonds we share through the beautiful art of music.

 

Category: Film

Honourable Mention: John Cucchiella, Toronto, ON 

Creative Project: “Palle Rosse’s Sanity Trinity” (Short Film)

 
Freshly graduated from a prestigious arts school, a negroni-loving filmmaker shares his own grievances with the film industry in the form of three short films he has written and directed. Mixing authorial interjections with satirical and absurdist stories, “Palle Rosse’s Sanity Trinity” explores the modern day with sharp criticism. Taking on art, politics, and popular culture, there is no topic too daunting for Palle Rosse to confront. Besides himself, of course.

The 2025 Young Artist Grant will support three projects by young artists with a $5,000.00 grant.

 

Submissions are accepted from artists who comply with the following requirements:

  • Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
  • Are 18 to 30 years of age
  • Are of Italian heritage OR are developing a creative project that is inspired by or reflects the essence of Italian culture.

 

The Young Artist Grant will support a specific original project that is in development in the following categories:

  1. Fictional Literature (novel, novella, collection of short stories or poems, comics, graphic novel, theatre play)
    Ineligible projects: Non-fictional works, academic studies, anthologies featuring works by multiple authors, screenplays.
  2. Music (album, musical score, movie soundtrack).
    Ineligible projects: Individual songs.
  3. Film (8-15 minute short film, feature length film, music video, TV/streaming series or series pilot, screenplay)
    Ineligible projects: Documentary movies, film journalism, recording of a live performance.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Projects that have not been initiated or that are at the conceptual stage are not eligible. Candidates will need to share samples of their work in progress in their grant submission.

 

Artists that have already received support through the Young Artist Grant in the past are not eligible to receive the support again.

 

One artist can submit only one project, under one category. Each submission must be the work of the sole individual artist or by a team/band under the direct guidance of the artist who is submitting the project.

 

Each submission package must include:

  • Completed online Application Form
  • A valid photo ID (eg. driver’s license, passport, etc.)
  • The applicant’s current resume
  • An overview of the project (500-800 words)
  • A detailed budget for the project, highlighting how the grant money will be spent
  • A sample of the proposed project, such as
    • A 2–5 page excerpt for the literary entry
    • 1–2 song(s) from the music album
    • 2–3 minutes of the film or footage to be incorporated

 

The winning projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. Submission packages must be submitted via email to execs@villacharities.com no later than Friday, September 26, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT. Large files can be emailed through file-sharing sites (Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.)

 

Submissions that are received after the deadline will not be considered.

 

In your email subject line, please include ‘2025 Young Artist Grant’ and your First and Last Name.

Literature – Licia Canton 

Licia Canton has published short stories, nonfiction and poetry in English, French, Italian and dialect. She is the author of “The Pink House and Other Stories” (2018) and director of the documentary film “Creative Spaces: Queer and Italian Canadian” (2021). She is founding Editor-in-Chief of Accenti Magazine. For her work in culture, she received the Premio Italia nel Mondo (2018). She holds a Ph.D. from Université de Montréal and an M.A. from McGill University. 

 

Music – Cory Weeds

Cory Weeds is a leading Canadian jazz saxophonist, label owner, and impresario. He founded Vancouver’s Cellar Jazz Club, presenting major jazz artists while performing there himself with players like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride.  He has released over 20 albums, appeared on many more, and earned strong acclaim. His Cellar Music Group has issued more than 400 recordings, with Weeds producing over 400, including a JUNO win for Metalwood and a 2023 Grammy for the “Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra”.  Weeds directs Frankie’s Jazz Club, presents concerts and festivals across British Columbia, and maintains deep ties to New York’s jazz scene through his annual “New York With Weeds” tours. An active educator and Executive Director of the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Society, he was recently profiled in Journeys to the Bandstand as “….a rare figure whose talent and drive have significantly shaped the jazz community.”

 

Film – Carlo Coen, PhD 

Carlo Coen obtained a “Laurea” (Italian graduation) from the Sapienza University in Rome, with a thesis on Piero Gobetti and the cultural milieu of his times. He started working in the film business by rewriting dialogues for dubbed films. Soon after his graduation, Carlo was actively involved in the activities of a film club in Rome, by programming, working as a projectionist, and managing the life of the club. Starting from 1981, he has worked for the Italian Foreign Service and was posted abroad as the Director of Italian Cultural Institutes in New Delhi, Melbourne and Toronto. More recently (May 2013) he obtained a PhD in Italian Studies at the University of Toronto with a dissertation on Italian horror films from 1960 to 1980. Carlo delivered lectures and papers at Universities in Canada, the United States, Italy, India and Australia. He taught various courses on Italian Cinema and Italian Culture at the University of Toronto and at York University from 2006 to 2013, and at present he teaches the same subjects at York University. He has been the chief programmer for the Toronto Italian Film Festival, the Love and Lust Toronto Film Festival and has been the Coordinator and the Director of Programming for the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in Toronto since 2015. In 2003, he conducted an 8-segment series on contemporary Italian films on OMNI TV. His presentations on OMNI TV continued during his tenure as Director of Programming for the ICFF. He has several publications to his credit on the major Italian directors and on Indian Cinema. Notable works include articles on Piero Gobetti; on Rossellini and his historical films; on Rosi and Sciascia; on Fellini; on the representation of Naples in film; and on the influence of Neorealism on Indian Cinema. He has also co-edited the volume “Italian Experimental and Independent Cinema,” published by the Edinburgh University Press in 2019. 

Successful candidates will be required to work from a mutually agreed set of timelines with specific deliverables and due dates. The submission of a grant application represents a commitment to

Villa Charities Inc. to complete the project as described in the proposal, by December 2026. The successful grant recipient will receive the support of $5,000.00 in three installments:

  • $1,500.00 at the time the winners are confirmed (December 2025)
  • $1,000.00 after providing a short overview of the progress (July 2026)
  • $2,500.00 upon completing the project (December 2026).

If for any reason, the project is not completed, all grant monies must be returned to Villa Charities Inc.

By submitting a grant application (a “Submission”), the applicant confirms that the Submission and the project contained in the Submission is and will be an original work, and no part of the Submission or project is copied from anywhere else or in any way plagiarized, and that no AI product (e.g. ChatGPT) was used to create the submitted project. Any Submission submitted with material owned by third parties without proper permission for use will be disqualified. Villa Charities Inc. is not responsible for any third party’s rights violation by an applicant and the applicant shall be held liable for such violation. The Submission must not contain anything that infringes a third party’s intellectual property rights or violates, or encourages any conduct that would violate any applicable law or regulation. The Submission and its included project must not be defamatory, obscene, pornographic, vulgar or offensive, and may not promote discrimination, bigotry, racism, hatred, harassment or harm against any individual or group. The Submission and included project may not contain information or materials embodying the names, images, likenesses, voices, or other indicia identifying any third person (living or dead), such as personal names,
e-mail addresses or street addresses, including, without limitation, those of celebrities and/or other public or private figures, living or dead.

By submitting a Submission, the applicant grants to Villa Charities Inc. the right to use at no cost any material related to the entry including the submitted project (in early or final form) for use in any and all manner, format, or media whether now known or hereafter devised (which use may include without limitation, editing, reformatting, modifying, publishing, posting, distributing, displaying, and transmitting for print, audio, visual, digital, or broadcast media and the like), for any purpose, including without limitation advertising Villa Charities Inc. or Villa Charities’ products, services and organization. The applicant represents and warrants that, if applicable, the applicant has obtained all relevant authorizations and rights from third parties to use their material in the Submission for the uses contemplated herein.

There are three (3) prizes of $5,000.00 CDN each, one for each category.

The grant recipients will be evaluated by a selection committee for each category. The decision of the selection committee will be final and cannot be appealed.

As stated above in the Submission Rules, the selection committee and Villa Charities Inc. will not be responsible for issues arising from alleged plagiarism that may be found in the grant recipient’s work. If such is the case, all funds must be returned to Villa Charities Inc., and the artist will be ineligible to submit proposals in the future.

In case of insufficient or inadequate entries, the prize will be unassigned. The decision of the selection committee in this respect is final and cannot be appealed.

PLEASE NOTE: Winning projects cannot be drastically altered without informing Villa Charities Inc. about the change(s) and obtaining its consent.

The winning projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.

The recipients of the 2025 Young Artist Grant are required to recognize Villa Charities’ contribution to their projects by displaying the Villa Charities logo on the final work, with the mention that they received support by Villa Charities’ 2025 Young Artist Grant. Various versions of the logo and guidelines on how to use them will be provided to the winning artists.

Applications for the 2025 Young Artist Grant program are now closed.

Apply Now

2023 Young Artist Grant Winners

Category: Fictional Literature

Winner: Claire Tatangelo, Halifax, NS

Creative Project: “In the Cards”

 

This story is a 30-page fictional graphic novel, suitable for all ages, set in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the fall of 2022. It is about an Italian Canadian girl who wishes to visit the site where her grandparents arrived in Canada, however she encounters a natural disaster that changes her journey. Through dreams, she communicates with her Nonna, who gives her advice about how to make it through the storm and help others along the way.

 

“Anna embarks on a road trip to visit the site where her Italian grandparents arrived for the first time in Halifax many years ago. But the adventure proves to be riskier than she had expected as Hurricane Fiona crashes in. Through dreams and lessons, she learned while playing cards with her Nonna, she finds the strength to move on after the hurricane and experience the true beauty of the East Coast.”

 

View Here

 

 

Category: Music

Winner: Daniel Monte, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Same Song” 

 

Daniel Monte has embarked on creating an eclectic mix of original music with the assistance and help from the Villa Charities Young Artist Grant. The songs each touch on the intricacies of what it means to be human through stories of fear, sin and acceptance. Included in the collection are songs such as “Same Song” and “Same Song II”, which discuss cultural overlap and how people throughout history have shared and incorporated elements of each other’s traditions, resulting in a global sound of mixed influence. The album features traditional instrumentation like strings, mandolins, Uilleann Pipes, Bagpipes, Tamburello, and various other traditional sounds wrapped up in a unique alternative pop sound. The collection will guide the listener throughout the various human emotions and give them an eclectic outlook on music, sound, culture and what it means to be untied as people.

 

Listen Here

 

 

Category: Film

Winner: Ruggero Romano, Vancouver, BC

Creative Project: “Tajar”

 

“Tajar” is an experimental short film exploring the enduring legacy of the Italian grape harvest. Through archival footage from 1950s Italy and contemporary visuals, it captures the passage of tradition across generations. Made possible by the Villa Charities Young Artist Grant, this project reflects on the role of community, heritage, and cultural continuity in a modern world.

 

The act of cutting—both in harvesting grapes and in film editing—becomes a bridge across time, connecting generations through shared gestures, memories, and traditions that continue to shape our cultural identity.

 

Watch Here

About The Young Artist Grant

Guided by Villa Charities’ vision to inspire the Italian in all of us, the Young Artist Grant was established in 2023 as a biannual fund to support emerging artists in their creative endeavours in the fields of literature, music, and film.

The objective of the Young Artist Grant is to provide financial support to emerging artists who are either of Italian heritage, or who are developing projects that are inspired by and reflect the essence of Italian culture.

The 2025 Young Artist Grant will distribute a total of $15,000.00 to three (3) creative projects by young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

2025 Young Artist Grant Applications Open on Wednesday, September 3 at 12:00pm EDT.

Villa Charities is excited to announce the winners of our inaugural Young Artist Grant program. The Young Artist Grant was launched in September 2023, with the aim of providing financial support to emerging artists, while ensuring that young Italian Canadians are engaged with Villa Charities, and the Italian Canadian community at large.

 

Read the Press Release 

Young Artist Grant Winners 2023

About The Young Artist Grant

This new biennial fund is an integral component of the organization’s Italian Canadian Youth Initiative (ICYI), a suite of programs and activities strategically created with the long-term objective of engaging and supporting the youth in our community, established in 2021 as part of Villa Charities’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.

 

In 2023, Villa Charities awarded a total of $15,000, which was disbursed to three (3) talented young artists between 18 and 30 years of age, who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and of Italian heritage.

 

The selection and evaluation process are conducted by a Selection Committee for each grant category.

Category: Fictional Literature

Winner: Claire Tatangelo, Halifax, NS

Creative Project: “Roller Barbie and Her Magic 8” (Graphic Novel)

A coming-of-age story about an Italian Canadian woman who leaves her family and moves to a new city alone. She learns to love herself through roller blading and reconnects with lessons she learned playing Italian cards from her nonna as she figures out the direction of her life. Set in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this graphic novel is based on real natural disasters that took place in the post-pandemic years and follows the characters as they learn to accept and cope with the aftermath. The imagery on Italian cards is revisited and redesigned throughout the story.

 

Category: Music

Winner: Daniele Monticelli, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Now Part II” (Album)

This project explores life situations, interpersonal relationships, and the universal quest for identity. The song “Same Song” emphasizes the interconnectedness of music and culture, showcasing a fusion of traditional Italian instruments like tamburello and zampogna with a Scottish-inspired violin line. This blend symbolizes the unity among diverse backgrounds, reflecting a shared love for musical expression.

Category: Film

Winner: Ruggero Romano, Vancouver, BC

Creative Project: “Vinum” (Short Film)

The project is dedicated to the preservation of the age-old tradition of grape harvesting in Venice, Italy, through the production of a high-quality cinematic short film. This venerable practice in Venice is at risk of fading into obscurity as the city’s population dwindles due to the overwhelming impacts of mass tourism. Veneto stands as one of Italy’s most esteemed regions in the realm of winemaking, and within its boundaries, Venice boasts a distinct and revered approach to the art. Our mission is to safeguard this invaluable tradition through a short film that will serve as a poignant testament to this unique heritage. Our cinematic endeavor will capture and present every facet of the grape harvesting process in collaboration with the local most renowned grape harvesting organization, Laguna nel Bicchiere, that will ensure that everything that is proposed in the film mirrors real-life procedures and treatments. With an immersive and authentic approach, the film will explore the entire journey, crafting a narrative that unfolds with a curated synergy between images and soundscape. Through a cinematic lens, we will highlight the enduring traditions that form the heart and soul of Italian and Venetian winemaking culture.

Category: Film

Honourable Mention: Madeleine Fiore, Woodbridge, ON

Creative Project: “Road Trippin’” (Short Film)

“Road Trippin’” is a short film written, directed and produced by Madeline Rose Fiore. After graduating college, two girls go on a road trip with their brother’s 1979 camper van. Through this journey, they uncover their love for one another that they’ve been hiding from, which runs parallel to their brother’s secret relationship.”

Carlo Coen, PhD

Carlo Coen obtained a “Laurea” (Italian graduation) from the Sapienza University in Rome, with a thesis on Piero Gobetti and the cultural milieu of his times. He started working in the film business by rewriting dialogues for dubbed films. Soon after his graduation, Carlo was actively involved in the activities of a film club in Rome, by programming, working as a projectionist, and managing the life of the club. Starting from 1981, he has worked for the Italian Foreign Service and was posted abroad as the Director of Italian Cultural Institutes in New Delhi, Melbourne and Toronto. More recently (May 2013) he obtained a PhD in Italian Studies at the University of Toronto with a dissertation on Italian horror films from 1960 to 1980. Carlo delivered lectures and papers at Universities in Canada, the United States, Italy, India and Australia. He taught various courses on Italian Cinema and Italian Culture at the University of Toronto and at York University from 2006 to 2013, and at present he teaches the same subjects at York University. He has been the chief programmer for the Toronto Italian Film Festival, the Love and Lust Toronto Film Festival and has been the Coordinator and the Director of Programming for the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in Toronto since 2015. In 2003, he conducted an eight-segment series on contemporary Italian films on OMNI TV. His presentations on OMNI TV continued during his tenure as Director of Programming for the ICFF. He has several publications to his credit on the major Italian directors and on Indian Cinema. Among them one should mention articles on Piero Gobetti, on Rossellini and his historical films, on Rosi and Sciascia, on Fellini, on the representation of Naples in film, and on the influence of Neorealism on Indian Cinema. He has also co-edited the volume “Italian Experimental and Independent Cinema”, published by the Edinburgh University Press in 2019.

Roberto Occhipinti

Born in Toronto, Bassist Roberto Occhipinti is a well-established presence in the Canadian and International Jazz scene. A five-time JUNO award-winning musician, he is equally at home playing classical music as well as jazz and world music. In addition to leading his own groups with five discs under his name, he has performed, toured and recorded with Jane Bunnett, Hilario Duran, Jamey Haddad, Jovino Santos Neto, Don Byron, Jeff Coffin, Uri Caine, Bruce Cockburn, Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani and Dafnis Prieto. An award-winning producer, projects include recordings for Dafnis Prieto, Michael Occhipinti-Sicilian Jazz Project, Hilario Duran, The Gryphon Trio, ES:MO, Don Thompson. Recent recordings include “The Music of Don Thompson” featuring bassist Joel Quarrington and his own recording on Modica Music, “The Next Step” featuring Larnell Lewis and Adrean Farrugia.

Anneliese Schultz, MA, MFA

A Bread Loaf Scholar and Pushcart Prize nominee, Anneliese completed her MA in Italian and MFA in Creative Writing at UBC and was shortlisted for the 2016 HarperCollins/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction. Her short stories have won numerous awards and been widely published, including in the Toronto Star, as well as recognized by the Writers’ Union of Canada, the Alpine Fellowship, and more. In 2023, she was longlisted for the Fugere Book Prize and shortlisted for Exile Editions’ ‘Best Canadian Short Story’ Award. Having studied and worked in Italy in the ‘70s, Anneliese later taught Italian at UBC for 20+ years. Living in a crazily creative German-Punjabi household in Vancouver, she is currently juggling climate fiction, a middle-grade ghost story, and an adult literary novel. Also found at laughinginthelanguage.com, she may one day complete her proposed bilingual novel “La Finta Italiana/The Pretend Italian.”

Submission Guidelines

Apply Now

Download Submission Guidelines

Contact Us About The Villa Charities Young Artist Grant

Mario Tersigni

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Mario Tersigni is a dedicated professional with a strong background in finance and manufacturing. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, he is also a CFA candidate, continuously expanding his expertise in investment management and financial analysis.

 

Currently, Mario plays a key role in his family’s manufacturing business, where he applies his skills to drive growth and operational excellence. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is deeply committed to charitable initiatives. Proud of his Italian heritage, Mario is an engaged member of the Italian community, working to preserve and promote its rich cultural traditions.

Anthony Mastromarini

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Anthony Mastromarini is a Senior Associate on the Investment Team at Alignvest Management Corporation. In this role, he identifies and evaluates new investment opportunities while executing value-creation initiatives across Alignvest’s existing portfolio companies.

 

Prior to joining Alignvest, Anthony was an Associate at Birch Hill Equity Partners, a leading Canadian private equity firm with
$5 billion in assets under management. He began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at TD Securities, where he advised on mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and debt financings within the M&A and Diversified Industries groups.

 

Beyond his professional experience, Anthony is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact. He has held leadership positions within various charitable organizations, including TD Bank’s Executive Task Force on Refugee Success and the World University Service of Canada. He is also passionate about preserving and promoting Italian heritage, actively supporting initiatives that celebrate Italian culture and strengthen the Italian-Canadian community.

 

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Business Administration (with distinction, Ivey Scholar) from the Ivey Business School and graduated from Western University as a National Scholar.

Giancarlo Francesco Beltrame

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Giancarlo Francesco Beltrame is an Ontario Certified Teacher specializing in French as a Second Language and Italian Language & Culture. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western University and is currently completing his Bachelor of Education at York University. His teaching experience spans French and Italian roles, with placements across multiple schools in the York Catholic District School Board.

 

Beyond the classroom, Giancarlo has taught Italian through Centro Scuola Toronto and the London District Catholic School Board, incorporating cultural topics such as music, sport, and drama into his lessons. He is also an experienced tutor, having supported French learners through personalized, online instruction.

 

Giancarlo is passionate about community involvement. He serves as a Youth Representative with the National Congress of Italian-Canadians and previously led the Canadian Italian Appreciation Organization at Western University, organizing cultural events and managing a team of student executives. His leadership, cultural advocacy, and dedication to inclusive education reflect his commitment to empowering youth and fostering diverse learning environments.

Anna Neri

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Anna Neri is deeply passionate about her Italian heritage and her life in Toronto and GTA. She credits much of her career success to her father, who thrived as an entrepreneur in Canada. 

 

Anna holds two degrees from Seneca Polytechnic, specializing in Visual Merchandising and Retail Marketing. Leveraging these skills, she has built an award-winning career as an executive and independent consultant for some of Canada’s leading retailers and hospitality chains for over 25 years.

 

Subsequently, Anna pursued her real estate license, specializing in residential trading for both pre-construction and resale properties in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Simcoe County. She has also earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRS) designation from the Toronto Real Estate Board, reflecting her specialized training in handling transactions for senior citizens with the utmost care and respect—a cause that holds significant meaning for her.

 

In addition to her consulting work in brand marketing and real estate, Anna owns a commercial décor company that focuses on creating seasonal displays in Toronto’s financial district, a passion project she enthusiastically shares each holiday season.

William Morassutti

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

A creative executive, editor and writer, William’s career is characterized by storytelling across multiple creative disciplines. As VP at Loopmedia, he played a key role in new business wins and content strategies for Toyota, New Balance, BMW, World Wildlife Fund, Scotiabank and Purolator.

 

William served as Editorial Director at TORO Magazine, a men’s lifestyle publication nominated for over 60 National Magazine Awards (Canada) and winner of Gold & Platinum at Folio’s Ozzie Awards (U.S.). He also cofounded and edited the web-only TORO, a digital publication with a peak monthly audience of 543,000 unique visitors. Additionally, he conceived and edited IMAGINING CANADA: A CENTURY OF PHOTOGRAPHS PRESERVED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES, published by Doubleday Canada. 

 

In the past decade, he has worked as Creative Director at Star Content Studios (Torstar), Editor-in-Chief of YouInc, and Content Editorial Director at Venture Communications. He is currently a VP at Cundari.

Mario Lofranco

Director, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Mario Lofranco is a newly minted lawyer at Baker McKenzie LLP. Mario maintains a general corporate law practice with a focus on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, multijurisdictional corporate reorganizations, capital markets transactions and corporate governance. He holds degrees in Philosophy, Business and Law. Mario joined the Columbus Centre board in 2024 and hopes to bring energy and a different perspective to continue to grow the Columbus Centre to serve its community. Mario’s grandparents helped with the construction of the Columbus Centre, brick by brick. He has fond memories of his childhood running around the Columbus Centre after Italian class or swimming lessons.  

 

This dedication to discipline and teamwork extends into Mario’s community involvement as well. As a key member of Italia360, a non-profit organization, Mario is dedicated to empowering first-generation Canadians by providing them with valuable opportunities in the entrepreneurial space. Beyond the boardroom, Mario is an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a passionate soccer enthusiast, proudly supporting S.S.C. Napoli. Mario’s multifaceted interests and unwavering commitment to both professional and personal growth make him a dynamic and inspiring figure in the legal and broader community

Cristina Caruso

Secretary, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Cristina is a Development, Events & Communications Specialist, with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Toronto District School Board children and helping remove barriers to their education. With over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Cristina has worked to foster impactful donor relationships, organize engaging events, and facilitate effective communications in support of programming for students. With a particular focus on student nutrition, Cristina is passionate about supporting the well-being and education of children and youth. Cristina also has several years of experience working in health, with a focus on fitness and nutrition. Cristina graduated from the University of Toronto, with an Honour Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Italian Studies, as well as from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) with a Masters in Education Policy. Having joined the Board of Directors in 2024, Cristina is excited to contribute to the Columbus Centre and the Villa Charities community. 

Giulia Papa

Vice-Chair, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Giulia Papa is a lawyer based in Woodbridge, Ontario, with a focus on family law and estates. She provides compassionate and strategic legal counsel, helping clients navigate sensitive legal matters with confidence and clarity.

 

As a proud member of the Italian Canadian community, Giulia believes that understanding one’s heritage is essential to shaping a strong and informed future. She integrates these values into her professional and community work, with a commitment to supporting the well-being of individuals and families.

 

Beyond her legal practice, Giulia is actively involved in several non-profit organizations. She serves as Vice-Chair on the Next Gen Leaders Committee, where she works to strengthen connections within the Italian community and ensure its continued growth. Giulia is also passionate about advocating for women’s rights and creating empowerment opportunities through legal avenues and community initiatives.

 

In addition to her professional and board roles, Giulia remains dedicated to supporting local causes and inspiring others to engage in meaningful community action.

Christopher Pompili

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Christopher Pompili is a graduate student currently completing the Master of Biotechnology, Biopharmaceuticals at the University of Toronto, Institute for Management & Innovation. His goal is to elevate his understanding of biology and its applications, gain relevant industry experience and build a career in a sector that has global impact. As part of the program, he has secured an internship at Sanofi Pasteur in Market Access and Public Affaires – General Medicines.


Christopher holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from York University. In his graduating year, he successfully completed a thesis and research practicum. The research focused on implications for neurodevelopment disorders and therapeutic interventions and has since been published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience.


Christopher is proud of his Italian heritage and eager to contribute to the Italian Canadian community as a member of the
Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee.

Veronica Luca Mastroianni

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Veronica shares a close connection with Villa Charities, having grown up in the neighbouring area. She attended Dante Alighieri Academy and would often spend her free time at the Columbus Centre for various social events. She studied at the University of Toronto for her undergraduate and graduate degrees and is currently working at Air Canada as a Manager, Employee Communications.

 

Veronica joined the Next Gen Leaders Committee as a way to give back to her local community and to support Villa Charities’ mission. Prior to joining the committee, she was a volunteer in the Dialysis Unit at the Humber River Regional Hospital. 

Timo Masellis

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Timo Masellis is a 26-year-old Sport Management graduate from Humber College. He has experience in marketing, sales, and social media, as well as 10 years’ experience working with various charitable organizations. Timo has worked in the sports industry at companies including TLN Mediaset and York 9 FC. His volunteer efforts span organizations such as Villa Charities, Smiles of Innocence, St. Gabriel Elementary School, Richview Manor Retirement Home, CIBC Run for the Cure, and Salsa on St Clair.

 

Timo enjoys helping others, showing kindness, working on collaborative teams, and brainstorming new ideas. His passions include sports, music, food, and art.

Adam Grisolia

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Adam Grisolia is a Strategy Insights and Planning Associate at ZS, a global management consulting and technology firm. At ZS, Adam has focused on market research and forecasting engagements, working with large healthcare clients. Adam previously held roles at Royal Bank of Canada and McKesson Canada. Adam brings an analytical mindset and experience directly advising senior leaders. 

 

Beyond his professional experience, Adam has a demonstrated interest in community leadership and impact. He volunteered as a Research Assistant at CAMH and co-authored a business case with Dr. Joshua Foster, which was published by Ivey Publishing for undergraduate and MBA programs. Adam is passionate about serving the Italian Canadian community and contributing to initiatives honouring Italian culture and heritage.

 

He holds a dual degree Bachelor of Arts in Honours Business Administration from the Ivey Business School and an Honours Bachelor of Medical Sciences in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences from Western University.

Anthony Fusco

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Anthony Salvatore Fusco is deeply committed to family, community, and the legacy of his grandfather, Anthony Fusco, one of Villa Charities’ founding members. Growing up with family gatherings at the Columbus Centre, he developed a profound connection to Villa Charities and its mission to serve the Italian Canadian community. Inspired by his grandfather’s dedication, Anthony is passionate about giving back and honouring this legacy of service.

 

Now a second-year law student at the University of Windsor, Anthony was recently hired by Littler, the largest global management-side employment and labour law practice, where he is building a career grounded in advocacy and community impact. With board experience from Universal Care Strides for Seniors and active involvement in the Italian Canadian community, Anthony is honoured to support Villa Charities, ensuring it remains a vibrant home for future generations.

Daniela Fisico

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Daniela graduated from Western University with an Honors Specialization Degree in Media, Information, and Technoculture. With a strong foundation in marketing and communications, she has gained valuable experience in prominent roles at organizations like Johnson & Johnson and Golf Canada. Daniela currently serves as the Manager of Global Sponsorship Marketing at Scotiabank, where she focuses on driving impactful Arts and Culture partnerships across Canada.

 

Driven by a deep passion for her Italian heritage, Daniela takes pride in honoring the sacrifices made by her Nonna and Nonno, who immigrated from Calabria to Canada. As a proud recipient of the inaugural Villa Charities Scholarship, Daniela is enthusiastic about giving back to the Italian community and collaborating with others who share her values.

 

Outside of work, Daniela enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new ways to connect with her cultural roots.

Enza-Marie DiVizio

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Enza-Marie Di Vizio has built a successful career in regulatory compliance, with over six years of experience in the financial industry. As the Manager of Global Compliance Regulatory Change at TD Bank Group, she plays a pivotal role in navigating international regulatory landscapes to ensure the bank’s compliance with evolving regulations across multiple global regions, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

 

Beyond her professional contributions, Enza-Marie is an advocate for leadership development through her role on the TD Risk Management Women in Leadership Committee, where she has collaborated with organizations such as the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women and TD Friends of the Environment to create opportunities for colleagues to support their local communities and promote social responsibility.

 

Enza-Marie’s commitment to her heritage and professional growth is further demonstrated through her involvement with the Italian Canadian community. She serves on the Women’s Auxiliary of the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association (CIBPA), where she has played a key role in securing sponsorships from local businesses for the 2024 annual fashion show in support of the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women.

 

Enza-Marie holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Law & Business from the Ted Rogers School of Management.

Nicholas DeVuono

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Nicholas DeVuono is an account executive with extensive experience working in the logistics industry. In August of 2024, he was appointed the position of Executive Account Manager for FedEx after working for over five years at DHL Express since 2019. Nicholas brings a strong work ethic and an extensive international network working in the global logistics industry. He is very eager to support his community.

 

Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Global Management Studies from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. 

Isabella DeVuono

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Isabella DeVuono is a Community Health and Education Specialist at CAMH.

Her commitment to knowledge translation centres on research interests in Mental Health and Addictions, Women’s Health, and Implementation Science. With experience across diverse healthcare settings, she brings a unique perspective and a strong dedication to serving the Italian Canadian community.

She holds a Master of Science in Medical Science with a Collaborative Specialization in Women’s Health from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Western University.

Cessidia De Biasio

Member, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Cessidia De Biasio, BSW, BComm, MBA, is a passionate leader in social impact and workplace well-being with a commitment to fostering mental health awareness and inclusivity. As the co-founder and co-lead of KPMG’s Workplace Well-being Community of Practice, she champions initiatives to enhance the mental health and well-being of colleagues and clients. A registered social worker, Cessidia brings a deep understanding of community care to her role on the Villa Charities Next Gen Leaders Committee, where she advocates for culturally sensitive senior care and celebrates her Italian heritage. Inspired by her Nonna’s journey to Canada, Cessidia founded the Addolorata De Luca Leadership Scholarship, a tribute to the resilience and legacy of all immigrants. This initiative has raised over $70,000 to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, reflecting her commitment to equity and empowerment.

 

Cessidia is dedicated to continuing her volunteer work within the Italian community, honoring her roots and supporting others. Her 102-year-old Nonna resides at Villa Colombo, and Cessidia is proud to have been awarded the inaugural Villa Charities Scholarship, a recognition of her dedication to preserving Italian culture and heritage.

Daniel Panza

Chair, Next Gen Leaders Committee

Daniel Panza is a Toronto-based lawyer at Owens Wright LLP, specializing in Corporate Law, Estates, Trusts, and Real Estate. His practice focuses on estate planning, asset management, corporate reorganizations, and commercial transactions. Daniel also holds a designation from the prestigious Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

 

In addition to his legal practice, Daniel is a dedicated leader in the non-profit sector, serving on boards that support community development, early childhood education, animal welfare, and social wellness. As Director and Chair of the Governance Committee at New Collar Collective, he provides structure and strategic oversight to programs that enhance animal welfare and promote responsible care. He also serves as a Director and Governance Committee member at Today’s Family, supporting impactful initiatives for families and children. As a National Director and Fundraising Committee member of the GUHAH Way Foundation, Daniel is committed to advancing the health and wellness of children – demonstrating his dedication to building resilient and supportive communities.

Antonina (Toni) Rasile

Director, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board

For the past 12 years, Antonina Rasile has played an integral role at Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities as a Community Events Manager. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in developing key strategies to raise awareness of Jumpstart Charity’s mission to remove financial barriers, ensuring that all kids across Canada have access to sports and play. Her efforts have resulted in countless children building confidence and developing essential skills for future growth. 

 

Before her tenure at Jumpstart Charities, Antonina held various positions at Canadian Tire Corporation. These roles included serving as the IT Store Systems Team Lead and contributing significantly within the Corporate Experience Team. Each position allowed her to hone her leadership skills and deepen her understanding of organizational dynamics. 

 

Throughout her career, Antonina has prided herself on being a passionate leader. She is renowned for creating collaborative environments that result in action-driven teams through coaching, mentoring, and fostering respectful connections. Her leadership style not only motivates teams but also ensures that every member feels valued and integral to the collective mission. 

 

Antonina’s commitment to community service extends beyond her professional life. She brings her extensive skills and experience to the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board, where she has been a dedicated board member for the past two years. 

Maria Filice

Director, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board

Maria Filice’s retirement has provided her with the opportunity to get involved with community work and meeting people. She is currently involved with Villa Colombo and Villa Charities in general. 

 

Maria has lived in the area since 1969 and has been retired for 5 years. She was a legal assistant/law clerk having practiced in the field since 1973 with a main focus on residential real estate. She became a volunteer at the Villa Gift Shop in January of 2023, devoting two days a week to the shop and occasionally stepping in for other volunteers when they were not available.  She also helps in other areas when required. 

 

Maria became a board member of the VCTA in November of 2023 and has come to appreciate the countless hours and devotion the board members provide, in their continuous fundraising efforts for the residents through the various functions they organize.  

 

She hopes that in some small way she can make a difference. 

Paola Tiatto

Treasurer, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board 

Paola is an experienced Bookkeeper with a Bachelor of Business Management and a strong background in managing financial operations for a law firm. With over 30 years of experience in legal accounting, Paola brings a detail-oriented approach to managing accounts, reconciling statements and ensuring tax compliance. 

 

Driven by strong family values and a passion for giving back, Paola volunteered at an Elementary School in Thornhill from 2001 to 2010, helping young readers enhance their literacy skills and foster a love of learning. Along with the reading program Paola was an active member in the Parent Council Committee from 2002 to 2015.  This experience inspired a deep commitment to community service which led Paola to join VCTA in 2021 as a board member helping to organize various fundraising events.  Paola has recently taken on the role of Treasurer for VCTA. 

 

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking and gathering with family and friends.

Anna Figliano-Bellissimo

General Secretary, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board 

Anna Figliano-Bellissimo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from York University and a French Language Certification from Laval University. She enjoyed a 33-year career as a civil servant with the Province of Ontario, holding various roles including Statistical Reporting and Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. 

 

Anna is deeply passionate about the Italian community and is an active member of the Catholic Women’s League, currently serving as the Service Chair on the Executive Committee at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. 

 

Her dedication to community service highlights her commitment to making a positive impact. 

Elena Ricci

2nd Vice-President, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board

Elena has been in Tech for over 20 years in Toronto. She is a successful entrepreneur and overall leader. Her business acumen is paramount to her success, having established the Canadian Computer Education College in the late 1990’s. From there, she started Futuretek Recruiting, and the brand was born. Through Elena, Futuretek has repeatedly been a top 1% company in Canada, making her one of Toronto’s strongest entrepreneurial forces to date. She now gives back to our local community by running Futuretek Academy, a tech company that provides upskilling to new Canadians, and then helps them get jobs in our Toronto tech market. The odd time Elena isn’t working, you can find her playing squash, kayaking, or chilling at her cottage on Lake Erie.

Anna D’Aquila

Immediate Past President, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board, Villa Charities Inc.

Anna Maria D’Aquila is a retired Bank of Montreal (BMO) employee with a lengthy career spanning numerous roles, from Secretary to Senior Process Manager, Branch Operations. Her dedication and expertise were invaluable during her time at BMO.

She has been a vital part of the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board from 2012 to 2023. During her time on the board, she filled the roles of General Secretary and President. Throughout these years, she has played a crucial role in organizing and chairing a variety of successful fundraising events, including Pasta Bingo nights, golf tournaments, fashion shows, and dinner dances.

 

Currently, she manages the Fusco Family Gift Shop, where she continues to demonstrate her commitment to the community. In her role of Immediate Past President, she provides guidance and support to newer board members.

Dr. Pinella Buongiorno

President, Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary Board

Dr. Pinella Buongiorno is a dedicated family physician with extensive experience in both family medicine and long-term care settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Human Biology and Italian Studies, and a Master of Science from the University of Toronto. Dr. Buongiorno graduated from the University of Ottawa Medical School in 2011 and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto in 2013.

 

Following her residency, she joined a family medicine practice in Scarborough, where she has provided compassionate care to her patients. In addition to her practice, Dr. Buongiorno works at two Long-Term Care homes in the Greater Toronto Area. She currently serves as the Medical Director of a City of Toronto Long-Term Care home, and as an attending physician at a private Long-Term Care home in Etobicoke.

 

Dr. Buongiorno is passionate about palliative care and end of life care, and serves on the Divisional Palliative Care Committee within the City of Toronto Senior Services and Long-Term Care sector. In this role, she is actively contributing to the development and implementation of new Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care policies across City of Toronto Long-Term Care homes, ensuring that seniors receive high-quality care during their most critical times.

 

As a strong advocate for her patients, especially seniors, Dr. Buongiorno is committed to supporting not only the health and wellbeing of her patients but also their families and caregivers. Her dedication extends beyond the medical field, as she is passionate about her Italian-Canadian roots and actively gives back to her community.

 

Since childhood, Dr. Buongiorno has been an active member of the Italian-Canadian community, and proud supporter of Villa Charities. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary since 2021, and in November 2024, she stepped into the role of President, excited to continue using her experience and leadership to benefit the community. Through her professional and community involvement, Dr. Buongiorno remains a strong and compassionate advocate for both her patients and the broader Italian-Canadian community.

Laura Li Preti

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

As a second generation Italian Canadian, Laura has always had great appreciation for Italian heritage, culture and language.  After graduating from Glendon College in Political Studies, she moved to Italy to complete a specialization in International Law at the University in Calabria and defend her thesis on freedom of religion and consciousness in Constitutional and International Law. In 2012, she completed her J.D and LL.L from the University of Ottawa.  Laura became an attorney and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2013. She began practicing law at a boutique cross-border firm specializing in class action litigation in the areas of antitrust/competition, consumer protection and securities law. She became In-House Counsel for a group of renewable energy and sustainability companies prior to joining the Legal and Global Security team at Apple where she is currently employed.

 

Laura is honoured to sit on the VCI Board of Directors where she can continue to make contributions to the community and to advocate for people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs.

Nina Gesa

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

Nina is a dedicated public servant, having spent nearly 30 years advancing economic development activities with the City of Toronto.  In the first half of her career, she worked in the areas of tourism and event attraction, most notably on the bids to host 2008 Toronto Olympics and the 2015 World’s Fair.  A skilled project manager, she was also responsible for delivering high-profile events including the XVI AIDS Conference in 2006, official visits by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 2010 RBC Canadian Open.  More recently, she has had carriage of the innovation portfolio focused on supporting Toronto’s small business and start-up communities both from a policy and programming lens.

 

Nina is passionate about her Italian culture and heritage and has forged strong ties to the Italian community in Toronto.

Martina Di Gioacchino

2nd Vice-Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Martina Di Gioacchino is the Director of the Capital Program Budgeting and Planning team at Infrastructure Ontario. Her 10 years of experience spans the health care and public sector infrastructure fields, including several years as a Project Manager at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (now Ministry of Long-Term Care).

 

She holds an honours undergraduate degree from Queen’s University, a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Western University, and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. 

 

Martina was Villa Colombo Vaughan’s first ever summer student and has continued a long relationship with the home and its residents through summer placements, volunteer activities, as well as through her private practice. While practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Martina developed and implemented a first-of-its-kind, in-house speech-language pathology program at VCV to better serve its residents.

 

Martina cares deeply about the well-being of Villa Colombo Vaughan’s residents, families, and staff and she is proud to be serving the home as a member of the Board of Directors. 

Danielle Donadio

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

As the Managing Director and Vice President of Communications for Sussex Strategy Group, Danielle helps drive results for the firm and her clients through her creativity and energy. Her expertise in strategy, brand marketing, and public affairs enables her to craft bespoke public relations strategies that advance business objectives.

 

Danielle has over two decades of experience helping companies navigate complex business challenges. She has partnered with Canadian business leaders to craft thought leadership strategies and delivered high-impact marketing communications plans that drive awareness and support. 

 

Prior to Sussex, she served as the director of operations for a national advertising consortium for two federal campaigns. Danielle worked inside Ontario’s hospital system for over a decade, helping to rename, rebrand and launch public awareness campaigns #MentalHealthisHealth and #SeeWhatCareCanDo. Her career has spanned multiple sectors originally holding public affairs roles in a global pharmaceutical and healthcare pension plan.  

 

She holds an Honours BA from Trinity College at the University of Toronto and her Master’s in Marketing from the University of the Creative Arts in London, UK, focusing on brand purpose. Her work has been recognized by the Canadian Marketing Association, ADCC, Strategy Online, AVA Digital Awards and MarCom Awards.

 

Outside of work, Danielle is an avid renovator, enthusiastic traveller, and voracious reader – so much so that she was appointed to the Board of the King Township Public Library. In her spare time, she enjoys walking through nature trails with her dog Milo and reluctant daughter.

Alisa Carli

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Alisa Carli is a Senior Portfolio Manager with BMO Nesbitt Burns, a division of Bank of Montreal Private Wealth Canada.  With over 30 years of financial industry experience, her focus is on the creation and implementation of wealth management services for her affluent clientele.  Her goal is to empower clients with comprehensive and customized solutions for complex situations through coordinated and proactive wealth plans.  Alisa holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a Licensed Portfolio Manager and has life insurance accreditation.  She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. 

Josephine Atri

Director, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Josephine Atri has a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees, and a Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards and Tribunals. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1989 and practiced law for 30 years. 

 

For many years, she was Senior Counsel to the Ontario Ministry of Finance.  She was also counsel at Cabinet Office, other ministries and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario prior to that.  She specialized in the regulation of insurance and financial services and establishing regulatory agencies, tribunals and other bodies.  She has extensive experience in developing and coordinating government bills, regulations and related instruments and briefing and advising senior management, Ministers and Opposition Members.  She has appeared before various Committees of Cabinet and of the Legislature, and in every Ontario Court level. 

Andrew Smith

Vice-Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Andrew Smith is a fitness and leadership coach.  He has developed his coaching passion by working with individuals, athletes and facilities for over 40 years. His work with clients and Olympians has seen the actualization of their dreams and goals. His drive and enthusiasm have helped build businesses and develop teams to reach their untapped potential. His knowledge of the fitness industry comes from running a wide variety of clubs and selling commercial exercise equipment in the Ontario and national markets. He has earned a strong reputation for effective strategic planning, motivation to achieve health and fitness goals, knowledge of the body’s physiology and application

to the individual.

 

He graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education majoring in Exercise Physiology. He was and is a director/manager with many facilities including The Fitness Institute, The High Performance Specialists, Embody Fitness Clubs and The Longevity Gym and is the Toronto licensee for Leadership Management Canada (LMI). He appreciates the role of leader and is excited to help develop personal change to inspire greater satisfaction and fulfillment of one’s individual health, fitness and career goals.

Anthony Messina

Ex-Officio (Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Chair), Villa Charities Inc. 

Anthony Messina is the Head of Private Wealth, including the President of Guardian Partners and Managing Director for Guardian Capital Advisors LP. Previous roles at Guardian included President and CEO of Worldsource Securities and Worldsource Financial Management (2018-2021).

Prior to joining Guardian in 2016, he was instrumental in building and growing I3 Advisors, the predecessor to BNY Mellon Wealth Management Canada’s outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) business. During his tenure as President, he served as a member of various global operating, pension, and investment strategy committees, and as director of the Canadian and Cayman Island businesses. Anthony began his career in the financial services industry at Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). His business experience is broad and includes investment management, venture capital, business and operations management in private and public companies.

Anthony is a graduate of the Schulich School of Business, holds the Chartered Professional Accountant designation and is a CFA® Charterholder. He is active in numerous charities, including as a director of Villa Colombo Vaughan. He is also a member of the MacKay CEO Forums, a leading CEO peer learning organization.

Mauro Pambianco

Director, Villa Charities Inc.

Mauro brings extensive senior financial, operational and growth leadership experience, along with a curiosity and appreciation for people’s perspective, and a passion for tackling complex challenges and fostering success.  After attaining a CPA, CA designation while with the real estate and construction team of what is now PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Mauro has spent over 25 years in various COO, CFO and similar roles with accounting, law, real estate, healthcare and marketing communications firms ranging from mid to large size, both for- and not-for-profit. He enjoys translating challenges and desires into direction, and aligning strategy, motivators and action to drive results.

 

As a proud ambassador and beneficiary of the incredible achievements and examples set by his parents and their fellow immigrant Italian community, Mauro joined the Villa Charities Inc. Board to help ensure that future generations of the Italian and broader community can look back in a similar way on what we achieve and the examples we set today.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Mauro serves as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Santo Veltri test

Past Chair / Secretary, Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP, and in October 1994, he was appointed and remains a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf. 

In addition to serving as a board member, Santo is a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee and the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee.

Ben Vozzolo

Ex-officio (Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Chair), Villa Charities Inc. / Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery

Ben Vozzolo has been on the Villa Colombo Toronto board since 2018 and is also a member of the Nominations & Governance, and Quality & Risk committees. Currently, he serves as 2nd Vice-Chair.


Ben has 24 years of experience in the healthcare sector in various roles in hospitals and healthcare agencies. He is currently the Executive Director of Fontbonne Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto, a social services agency serving vulnerable populations, seniors and people experiencing social isolation.


Ben’s volunteer work has been in the community health and social services sector and he is passionate about building healthy communities where everyone belongs. Ben is also a member of the Board of Directors of Pugalug Pug Rescue, a dog rescue charity in Toronto.


In addition to serving as a board member, Ben holds the position of Chair on the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Angela Gauthier

Ex-Officio (Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Chair), Villa Charities Inc. 

Angela Gauthier holds Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the Université d’Ottawa.  She is fluent in both of Canada’s official languages, as well as Italian.

 

During her 41 years as an educator and teacher, Mrs. Gauthier has also held the positions of Associate Director of Education, Superintendent of Human Resources, Superintendent of the family of schools and education officer at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for the development of provincial assessment and has been a school principal for English and French language schools.

 

Mrs. Gauthier has been a member and Chair of the Board of Directors of “Catholic Crosscultural Services”, an agency of the Archdiocese of Toronto which provides resettlement services to immigrants and refugees. She has also sat on the Board of ICFF (Italian Contemporary Film Festival) for three years. Mrs. Gauthier is very passionate about quality Long Term Care for Seniors and in particular about the seniors in Villa Colombo Toronto. She brings her skills and experience in Communications, Board governance, strategic planning, management, and senior leadership to the Board of Villa Colombo. Mrs. Gauthier states that her retirement has provided the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community and to spend more time with family, especially her grandchildren.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Angela serves as an Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Inc. Board.

Joseph Arcuri

Ex-Officio (Villa Charities Inc. Chair), Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders. 

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and an Ex-Officio on the Columbus Centre Board and the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Pina Falbo

1st Vice-Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Pina Falbo is a seasoned business and retail professional, with greater than 20 years of experience in luxury retail, technology and not-for-profit companies and organizations.

 
Pina has contributed her strategic and tactical managerial, operational, sales, marketing, fundraising, events planning and human resource talents to large corporations, as well as start-up and private enterprise organizations. Organizations have included Holt Renfrew, Danier Leather, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Veretta Fashion Imports and MMX Retail as well as consulting services to Mircom Technologies Ltd.


With a passion for giving back, Pina has also been an active community participant. Pina holds considerable board and committee experience in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors. She is a current board member for Villa Charities Vaughan and a past director of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed to the City of Vaughan Canada 150 Task Force and has participated in numerous committee and events including as co-chair of the Mackenzie Health Volunteer Association Annual Gala and fundraising for The Schulich Heart Centre for Sunnybrook Hospital, The Look Good Feel Better Charity for Women with Cancer, 2 Kids with Love (Mexico) and The Fred Victor Homeless Shelter.


Pina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from York University and has a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College with a current pursuit of a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Pina is a resident of Vaughan and is married with two wonderful teenage boys.


In addition to serving as a board member, Pina is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Catherine (Rina) Tiberini

Past Chair, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Anthony Moscar

Secretary, Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Anthony Moscar, Naturopathic Doctor, BSc (Hons) has worked in healthcare for over 10 years. Having started his career in direct patient care, he has since provided leadership support to the Napanee Community Health Center. Returning back to his community to provide leadership in home and community care, he is passionate about ensuring quality, equitable healthcare delivery for everyone.

 

Anthony is a long-time resident of the area and remembers fondly when he learned to cook at Villa Colombo in a youth program and later as a teen travelling to Italy with Centro Scuola. In the past he also served on the Villa Charities Board of Governors.

Joseph Arcuri

Ex-Officio (Villa Charities Inc. Chair), Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc.

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Inc. Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer and Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and as Ex-Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

John Zerucelli

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Marianne Corigliano

Vice-Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Marianne is an Elementary Guidance Counsellor with TCDSB.  She also taught core French for eight years. Prior to this, she had a twenty-year career in Hospitality where she was Director of Business Development for Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group.  Marianne is passionate about the Italian community. She is a graduate of University of Toronto and completed her Bachelor of Education at Tyndale University. She has been a board member of NCIC, CIBPA Education Fund and CIBPA where she held the position of President. Over the years, Marianne has been actively involved with VCI’s cultural events, including Villa d’Arte and La Befana, as well as the Cultural and Food and Beverage Committees. Marianne is currently Vice-Chair of the Columbus Centre. She also served as an Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Inc. Board for a few years.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, she is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee and the Villa Charities Cultural Committee.

Mario Fiorucci

Chair, Columbus Centre of Toronto

Mario Fiorucci is an entrepreneur, lawyer & technology expert.  As a serial entrepreneur, Mario has been through the start-up, growth, and acquisition of companies in retail, e-commerce and real estate development.  He has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Toronto Business Development Centre, Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award by ECR, and inducted into the Ontario Hostelry Institute as a fellow, among other recognitions.  As a lawyer, he practiced at McCarthy Tétrault in the area of corporate law with a specialty in technology-related companies.  He holds degrees in Computer Science, Physics, and Law.  Mario credits his work ethic, passion for life, and family priorities to his Italian roots, with both of his parents having emigrated to Canada with nothing but a dream for a better life.  Mario joined the Columbus Centre Board in 2022 and hopes to use his knowledge and experiences to keep the Columbus Centre a vibrant part of the community in line with the Villa Charities mission. 

 

In addition to serving on the board, Mario serves as an Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Inc. Board.

Paul Pellegrini

Director, Villa Charities Foundation

Paul is the founder and Executive Chairman of Sussex Strategy Group, with over 30 years of experience in government relations and public affairs. He specializes in advising clients in the healthcare, life sciences, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, using his relationship-building skills to help them succeed at all levels of government.  

 

Paul has played pivotal roles in transforming a downtown Toronto hospital into a cutting-edge healthcare, research, and education facility and guiding a national rail company through a major infrastructure project approval process. He continues to advise clients on policy, politics, and corporate strategy.  

 

Before launching Sussex, Paul was a trusted advisor to cabinet ministers at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, providing expertise in crisis communications, stakeholder relations, and issues management.  

 

Paul’s commitment to charity and community service has been publicly recognized with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award. He has chaired the Boards of the Columbus Centre of Toronto and Reach for the Rainbow and served as the Ontario Campaign Chair for Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Currently, he serves on the Campaign Cabinet for Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.  

 

Paul holds an Honours BA in Public Policy and Administration from York University.

 

Outside of work, Paul enjoys testing recipes for his outdoor pizza oven, spending time with family, and improving his golf game. 

Joseph Arcuri

Treasurer & Ex-Officio (Villa Charities Inc. Chair), Villa Charities Foundation

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Board and the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as an Ex-Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Santo Veltri

Secretary, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP. From 1994 to 2019, he was a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Santo is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee, Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole

Treasurer, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company.


In addition to serving as Treasurer on this board, Sandro holds the position of Treasurer on the Villa Charities Inc. Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Joseph Arcuri

Chair, Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation / Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Inc. Board. He serves as Treasurer and Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and as Ex-Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Santo Veltri

Past Chair & Secretary, Villa Charities Inc.

After his call to the Bar in 1983, Santo began his practice in the core areas of family law and civil litigation. In 1993, he became one of the three founding members of Bianchi Presta LLP.  From 1994 to 2019, he was a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for Newmarket. When not volunteering his time on behalf of Villa Colombo and Villa Charities, Santo is a passionate sports fan, enjoys cooking and espionage novels, and is still trying to break 100 in his occasional rounds of golf.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Santo holds the position of Secretary on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee, Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole x

Treasurer, Villa Charities Inc.

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company. Sandro serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Inc. Board.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Sandro holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Treasurer on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Joseph Arcuri

Chair, Villa Charities Inc. 

Joseph Arcuri, CPA, CA, is the Chief Financial Officer of NRStor. He has been a Director of BioSyent Inc. since 2018 and is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and Disclosure Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arcuri started his professional career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers within its assurance group and later was president of AOL Canada. Joseph is a passionate Senior Account Executive with 29 years of experience working collaboratively with seniors, employees, members, partners, government and other vested stakeholders.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Joseph holds the position of Chair on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He serves as Treasurer and Ex-Officio on the Villa Charities Foundation Board and as Ex-Officio on the Columbus Centre Board, the Villa Colombo Homes for the Aged Inc. Board, and the Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee, the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Dr. Claudia Machiella

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

As a passionate doctor, mother and health enthusiast, Dr. Claudia teaches those around her to embrace a lifestyle that promotes a sound body, mind and spirit. She is a true advocate for living a healthy lifestyle and is dedicated to spreading knowledge, insight and motivation to others on how to achieve optimal health. As a busy mother, wife and entrepreneur she is most aware that the journey toward living your best life requires commitment. Her goal is to help anyone she can feel confident about their health. She believes we are all entitled to health and wellness we just need the right tools, knowledge and team.

 

Not only is Dr. Claudia a Chiropractor, but she also owns and operates two multidisciplinary clinics in Vaughan, Ontario, The Centre for Health and Rehabilitation and The Centre for Health & Performance. Both clinics offer a wide variety of services ranging from chiropractic, physiotherapy, naturopathy, registered massage therapy, acupuncture, podiatry as well as nutrition counselling. Her clinics are your one-stop shop for a total health overhaul. As a way of giving back to her community, Dr. Claudia is a committee member of Waves of Changes for Autism, a charity foundation that helps children and their families who are affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She wholeheartedly gives of her time to help the foundation raise money that goes directly to helping the children get the help they need.

 

Her latest project has been the work she is doing on her radio show ‘The Wellness Prescription’ with Dr. Claudia that airs every Saturday at 10 am on 105.9 The Region. This show is Dr. Claudia’s way of sharing tips, information and motivation for living your best life. She chats weekly with experts, authors and brands that offer insight for making the changes you need to reach optimal health. You can also hear her weekly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ tips on 105.9 The Region during your afternoon drive home. Wherever you are in your health journey, Dr. Claudia is there to get you to the next level.

Antoinette Benedetto

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Antoinette is an executive with over 40 years of experience in the residential, commercial, industrial, and retail sectors of real estate. She has managed property assets for both private and institutional investors. Her experience includes involvement in budgeting, planning, zoning, construction and all aspects of marketing sales and administration.


During her career, she has engaged extensively with various government agencies at the municipal and provincial level.
For the past 12 years, Antoinette has served as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of a private retirement home for 130 plus residents. As a result – oriented, hands-on team player, with experience in negotiations, project management, HR management and strategic planning, she brings a broad range of skills to any committee or board.

Tony Costa

Vice-Chair, Villa Charities Inc.

Tony is a retired automotive executive whose career spanned over 40 years with experience in Manufacturing, Engineering and Human Resources across Canada and the US. He is Italian (Calabria) born, raised in Montreal, educated at McGill University in Engineering, and now living in Toronto with his wife of 43 years. Tony was well known for his progressive leadership and his commitment to an enterprise’s continuous improvement by the engagement, empowerment, and inclusion of its human resources. He was also recognized as a key contributor in transforming organizations into high-performance ones and creating effective labor/management relationships.

 

Being retired has allowed Tony the time to give back to the Italian community by serving on the Columbus Centre and Villa Charities Boards. He also enjoys spending more time with friends and family…especially his three daughters and 7 grandchildren.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Tony holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board and Chair on the Villa Charities Nominating & Governance Committee.

Sandro D’Ercole

Treasurer, Villa Charities Inc.

Sandro D’Ercole is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with over 40 years of senior management experience. His breadth of knowledge ranges from real estate construction, asset management, property management, client reporting, leasing to cash management, finance, financial reporting, and accounting. He is currently the Executive Vice President and CFO of a private equity company. Sandro serves as Treasurer on the Villa Charities Inc. Board.

 

In addition to serving as a board member, Sandro holds the position of Chair on the Villa Charities Audit and Asset Management Committee and Treasurer on the Italian Canadian Benevolent Seniors Apartments Corporation & Casa Abruzzo Benevolent Corporation Board. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee.

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci

Vice-Chair

Pasquale (Pat) Minicucci has dedicated his entire working life and career to the financial services sector and to the communities he has lived and worked in. He has more than 33 years of experience in the banking field spanning across Canada, the Caribbean & parts of Central America. He has held a variety of senior executive positions with two major Canadian Banks. Pat is a graduate of McGill University where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing. He is a Fellow of the Institute of the Canadian Bankers Association and was awarded the FICB designation, and a graduate of the prestigious Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, Harvard University. He is also a graduate of the Director’s Education Program from the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto and the Institute of Corporate Directors, having been awarded the ICD.D designation.

Pat has been actively involved in the communities he has worked and lived in, both in Montreal and Toronto, for a number of organizations over the years, including President & Chair of the Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association of Montreal (CIBPA), past President & Chair of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations and past Chair of the Major Gifts Committee of the York Central Hospital Foundation, and Providence Healthcare Foundation. As a board director, he brings an exceptional understanding of organizational effectiveness, and the complex issues facing CEO’s, executive teams and boards in today’s ever-changing landscape. He brings vast experience as a board director having served on numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations over the years. In June of 2012, Pat was awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the communities of Greater Montreal and Greater Toronto
over the years.

In addition to serving as a board member, Pat holds the position of Vice-Chair on the Villa Charities Board and
Chair on the Villa Charities Strategic Planning Committee. He is also a member of the Villa Charities Resources
Committee and the Villa Charities Nominating and Governance Committee.

Dr. Kristin Terenzi

Director, Villa Colombo Seniors Centre (Vaughan) Inc. Di Poce Centre

Dr. Kristin Terenzi, B.Sc., M.D., F.C.F.P. graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Toronto and continued her studies at the University of Western Ontario in the Faculty of Medicine. She became a Doctor of Medicine; Cum Laude in 1991 and has belonged to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honours Medical Society from 1991 to the present day. Dr. Terenzi practiced medicine at the Family Practice Residency, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Medical Centre from until 1993. From there she opened up a private practice in Ontario and continues to work from it today. Dr. Terenzi was also a Board Member of the Tema Conter Memorial Fund from 1995 to 2006. Since 2004 she belongs to the College of Family Physicians of Ontario Fellowship. She has served on this Board since 2017. From 2020 to present day she became part of the Planning Committee, Hypertension Canada, and in 2021to the present day she joined the Planning Committee, C-Change Guidelines.

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