March 29, 2024

The Greater Washington, D.C. Region of the National Organization of Italian American Women (NOIAW) will honor three of DC’s outstanding Italian American women at its annual Epiphany Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at 6:30 pm at Maggiano’s Little Italy (5333 Wisconsin Ave NW.)

The event celebrates the achievements of Three “Wise Women”: Lt. Gen. Gina M. Grosso of the United States Air Force; Lisa O. Monaco, Assistant to President Obama for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; and Prof. Gemma Puglisi of American University.

Lt. Gen. Gina M. Grosso is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. General Grosso serves as the senior Air Force officer responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management, which includes military and civilian end strength management, education and training, compensation, resource allocation, and the worldwide U.S. Air Force services program.

Lisa O. Monaco is Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Deputy National Security Advisor. She advises the President on all aspects of counterterrorism policy and strategy as well as the coordination of all homeland security-related activities throughout the Executive Branch. Previously, Monaco served as Assistant Attorney General for National Security.  Her previous assignment was as the Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General.  Prior to joining the Deputy Attorney General’s office, Monaco was the chief of staff to FBI Director Robert S. Mueller.

Gemma Puglisi is an author, media expert, pundit and assistant professor of communication at American University in Washington, D.C. Her career encompasses entertainment, media relations, radio, network television news, and national public relations campaigns. She is often sought to discuss women’s issues, crisis, and the entertainment industry and has appeared on CNN International and Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor, among others. Puglisi is also the author of Public Relations Campaigns and Portfolio Building published by Allyn and Bacon for Pearson Education.

Diana Femia, President of NOIAW’s Greater Washington, D.C. Region, said, “Each of NOIAW’s honorees serves as a role model to young women and an inspiration to the Italian American community. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments.”