FIERI was founded in the early part of 1984 more as a concept than as a formal organization. In fact, the original concept was conceived very informally as two Italian-American College Club Presidents -- John Calvelli, age 20 of Fordham University, Bronx NY and Gina Biancardi, age 19 of Lehman College, Bronx, NY -- met to discuss the possibility of organizing and sponsoring events together. As this idea developed, so did the prospect of taking it one step further. Certainly there was a tremendous need to unite young Italian-American students and professionals beyond the confines of a college campus and have a place to call their own.
Although other established organizations were already in existence, they all catered to an older age group. Nowhere to be found was there an organization for Italian-American youths between the ages of 18-39. Quickly, interest was generated from within the strongest Italian-American community of the Bronx-Belmont.
The youth organization was to be called BIACA (Belmont Italian-American Cultural Association) spearheaded by John Calvelli as President. Meetings were held at a small club and BIACA's first dinner dance was held in the summer of 1984. Within months BIACA became a smashing success with an overwhelming demand developing from potential members throughout the metropolitan area.
Soon it was obvious that BIACA had to be renamed to include a broader membership base, not only from the Belmont community, but also from all over New York, perhaps all over the United States. In the words of John Calvelli, the founding father, "Why shoot for the moon when you can shoot for the stars." But what would this more widespread organization be called??
As the founding members searched for a name, the 1983 Italian song Festival, Sanremo Festival, named Toto Cutugno's L'Italiano as the number one song. In this song the word Fiero (proud) is mentioned repeatedly with respect to the singer's pride in being Italian. Perfect. Not only was it directly to the point but also it was a unique approach to naming an organization rather than the often-used anagrams. Thus, the new name became FIERI, "proud" simply made plural signifying our collective pride in our heritage, our culture, and our roots.
Four goals have always been at the core of FIERI's beliefs. First, Fieri strives to preserve Italian culture and encourages the study of Italian language and Italian American history. Second, FIERI fosters the value of higher education and personal achievement in young Italian-American men and women. Third, FIERI attempts to facilitate career opportunities and networking relationships for young professionals. Finally, Fieri promotes a positive image of Italian- Americans in the mass media and popular culture.
Through the years, Fieri continued to grow beyond our wildest dreams. Requests came from people across the country for information. In fact, the second chapter was founded at American University in Washington DC by Lisa Guelli. This expansion was followed almost immediately with the formation of the third chapter in Brooklyn, NY headed by Dante Naccarato. John Calvelli recognized a need to take this concept national and in 1989 Fieri became Fieri National, Inc., incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Chapters were also developed in Manhattan, Washington DC, Queens, North Jersey, Staten Island, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, San Diego, Stamford, Los Angeles, and Florida. Additionally Fieri is now an international organization, with a w chapter launched in Toronto in January 2000.
