Chicagoland Italian American Professionals

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  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • Leadership
    • Chapters
    • Volunteer
    • Contact Us
  • Membership
  • Business Directory
    • Business Member Listing Request
  • Store
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Event Tickets
    • Host an Event
    • Speaker/Panelist Request
    • Photo Gallery >
      • Videos
      • Event Photos
    • Sponsorships
  • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • Member Bios
    • Fitness/Lifestyle
    • Language
    • Fashion
    • Food/Recipes
    • Regional Spotlights
    • Wellness

Member Bios

Meet our Member Antonette Favia

8/31/2023

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Antonette Favia is Vice President at Villa Park Electrical Supply Co., Inc. Having grown
up in her family business she, along with several siblings, has a lifetime of experience in
knowing what it takes to keep a Small Family Business going through the many
economic changes and challenges throughout the years. The friendly, knowledgeable
staff at Villa Park Electrical Supply has been helping many (electricians, builders,
warehouse and property managers, municipalities, hospitals, restaurants, business
owners and the general public)) by supplying lighting and an array of electrical
materials needed for renovation and for new construction. Founded by Michael Favia
Sr, and Italian Immigrant, 2023 is a special year for The Favia Family as it marks the 50 th
Anniversary of our company.

Antonette has been able to put the B.S. Business Administration / B.S. Urban Studies
she earned at Elmhurst University to good use. Over the years, she has participated in
and/or has been on the Board of various local Chamber of Commerce Groups,
Women’s Networking Groups, and in several groups under the umbrella of the Electric
Association of Chicago.

When she’s not at Villa Park Electrical Supply, Antonette is an avid photographer, having
studied at Richard Stromberg’s Chicago Photography School in Ravenswood. She
currently specializes in taking headshot photos for social media and business use.
Antonette loves the city, music, travel; she divides her time between The Headshot
Room (her Photography Studio in Addison, IL) and spending time in the city near her
home in River North.
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With origins in Bari, Italy, Antonette joined Chicagoland Italian American Professionals
(CIAP) to meet, socialize and network with like-minded business professionals while
keeping in touch with her Italian heritage at the same time.
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Say Hello to Gianluca Ruggiero

8/28/2023

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Gianluca Ruggiero is an IT Director at ITW with more than 20 years of experience in multinational companies directing the development of business applications and the design of infrastructure guaranteeing the cross fertilization across the Group entities.
 
With a Master in Information Technology at the Universita’ degli Studi di Milano Bicocca in Italy, Gianluca embraces business centric view setting and executing the IT strategy and aligning the technology accordingly.

Over the years, Gianluca’s strengths at multiple multinational companies mainly in manufacturing industry has garnered some recognition for driving digital transformation initiatives in multiple areas such as production, B2B and supply chain. Gianluca really enjoys working for ITW where he found a fantastic and very supportive organization. He loves working in a multicultural and intellectually challenging environment.

When he is not at ITW, Gianluca is an avid sport follower and loves spending time watching soccer especially when his hometown club,  Genoa cfc, of his two daughter play.

With origins in Genova, Liguria, Gianluca joins Chicagoland Italian American Professionals (CIAP) to know the Italian-American community in the Chicago area.
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 Phone: 7703750193
Email: gianluca.ruggiero@gmail.com
LinkedIn

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Say Hi to Member and Board Volunteer Violetta Stemasova

8/28/2023

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I specialize in recruitment for the Microsoft channel, as well as SAP and international IT recruitment. 

I have experience working in international companies in the IT sector, and I am certified by HR Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

I am the Director of Recruiting at Ciellos, a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure, and related technologies. 

I am also the founder of Talentuch recruitment agency, a full-service HR outsourcing, advisory, and recruiting organization that helps tech companies grow internationally. My mission is to provide high-quality HR solutions that align with the business goals and values of my clients and partners. Talentuch recruitment team is supporting IT or technology companies who are expanding or maintaining operations throughout Europe. 

Originally from Ukraine, I moved to Chicago with my family in 2017. I lived in Italy for some time and speak Italian, Ukrainian, and English languages.

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Email: violetta@talentuch.com
LinkedIn
www.talentuch.com
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Welcome, Jonathan Rea of AlreadyItalian.com

8/28/2023

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Jonathan Rea is a graduate of John Marshall Law School (now known as UIC Law) and has been a practicing attorney for over 10 years. Jonathan is an Italian citizen and the founder of Already Italian, a service that has helped Americans across the country gain full Italian citizenship.

Many Americans are unaware that they qualify for Italian citizenship, but Already Italian will help you determine if you’re eligible, will explain the entire citizenship application process, and will help you take your first steps toward applying. Already Italian is a full-service company, because we do whatever is necessary to gather and prepare the documents you need to obtain Italian citizenship, and we will always answer any questions you may have.
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Everyone’s family has a unique story, and we know how to bring that story to life. When you. learn the history of your ancestors in both Italy and the U.S., you connect with a fundamental part of your identity that is absolutely priceless. We believe that it is both an honor and a privilege to be granted Italian citizenship, and we want to share this opportunity with as manypeople as we can.
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Jon@AlreadyItalian.com
AlreadyItalian.com
(989) 423 – 0313
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Hello, CIAP Member Elizabeth Paparo!

6/14/2023

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Elizabeth Paparo is a certified ADHD coach and Special Education Instructor with a Masters in Special Education. As an ADHD coach, she looks forward to getting to know each new client in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. 

Elizabeth was fortunate to share each and every day with the most intuitive, creative, intelligent and “out of the box” thinkers—her students. Elizabeth helped her students learn successful ways to negotiate relationships and understand personal boundaries, while remembering to laugh, joke, and appreciate progress. She worked with her students to develop skills to manage everyday academic challenges, as well as self-advocacy skills around their unique learning and processing styles.

As a resource teacher, Elizabeth witnessed the struggles and successes of living with ADHD first hand and learned to see the world through ADHD eyes. As one student described: “It is like having a wall of TVs, each on a different channel. I am trying to watch all of them at the same time, and I do not have the control in hand.” This experience led her to focus her skills and passion on a significant need in the ADHD community—serving as a coach to help her clients identify and use their natural talents as well as to navigate the complexities and challenges of ADHD. By building on successes, her clients are able to move forward and find joy in their academic, personal and professional lives.

A life-long learner, Elizabeth’s dedication to being the best coach for her clients leads her to continually seek further education, knowledge and training.  
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Phone: 312.888.1232
elizabeth@paparo-ADHDcoach.com
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Meet our Member, Mike DeVito

6/8/2023

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Vice President
Air Comfort

​Founded in 1935 as an engineering company and equipment distributor, Air Comfort’s mission is to work closely with you to provide a true comfort level for your business with uninterrupted performance and around-the-clock reliability. We only use the highest-quality equipment, installed and serviced by a team of top experts in the mechanical services industry.
Click on the file to the right for an overview of Air Comfort's company and services --->>>
air_comfort_6-16-2020.pptx
File Size: 6905 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File

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​2550 Braga Drive
Broadview, IL 60155

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Phone: (708) 356-5086 
Mobile: (708) 774-0582
devitom@aircomfort.com
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Joe Martino: Professional Accordionist, Singer and Entertainer

5/25/2023

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I am President of JM Production, which specializes in Italian- American entertainment at special events! I perform at Italian Festivals throughout the USA. I had performed at Festa Italiana Milwaukee for 25 years and Festa Chicago for 11 years. I am a recording artist with 2 CD’s and a DVD of performances.

I took Accordion lessons for 9 1/2 years in Elmwood Pk, IL and graduated of U of I Chicago with a degree in music, studied voice. I play a Bell, Borsini accordion with electronics, tracks and sing.

I am an avid racquetball player for hobby. I also prepare Italian dishes for personal use. 

Joe Martino has family origins in the Campagna region near Naples Italy, and my association with this regions allows me to share my experiences  with CIAP. 

I bring “ Italy to you” with Music that I am passionate about. Interests about the Accordion brings my experience to the membership. I have Volare dancers in my shows to feature especially the Tarantella. The dancers demonstrate the Tarantella and teach it to the audience . The Tarantella is a tradition. ​

Joe's Achivements:
Performed for Steve Harvey in a segment “Date your Husband” for a married couple 
on a date.

Recorded Commercials for Fifth Third Bank

Was featured in a Movie “ Alex/October” release last year in October and performed an original song in park in Pilsen, Chicago. 

Has worked exclusively for Ron Onesti Entertainment 

Played for  actor Roberto Benigni in Los Angeles at a meet and greet function with my partner of 28 yrs. Luigi Lenzi. 

Performed at a NIAF Convention in Washington DC, performing for President George Bush Sr. And his wife, First Lady Barbara Bush at the Washington Hilton hotel. 
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Professional Accordionist, Singer, Entertainer

Phone: 630-781-8047
E-mail: jfmartino@msn.com
www.joemartinoaccordion.com
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Meet our Member, Rick Biagi

5/17/2023

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Attorney
​Neal & McDevitt, LLC

Rick Biagi, a Member of Neal & McDevitt, joined the firm shortly after its founding in 1998.  Rick’s practice includes counseling clients in the areas of selection, adoption, use, and protection and enforcement of trademarks and domain names; anti-counterfeiting; the registration of trademarks and copyrights on a worldwide basis; licensing; and advertising and promotions law compliance.  Rick has been ranked by the World Trademark Review to the WTR 1000 for trademark enforcement and litigation.
 
Neal & McDevitt, LLC, ranked by World Trademark Review to the WTR 1000, is a Chicago-area-based intellectual property and marketing law firm specializing in all aspects of trademark, copyright, unfair competition, marketing, advertising, and promotions law. From trademark and copyright prosecution, licensing and portfolio management to enforcement, anti-counterfeiting and litigation, Neal & McDevitt counsels clients around the world on an array of intellectual property and marketing law matters.
https://www.nealmcdevitt.com/about/
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1776 Ash Street
Northfield, IL 60090​
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Phone: 
224-628-2747
E-mail: rbiagi@nealmcdevitt.com
https://www.nealmcdevitt.com/rick-biagi/

Follow me on LinkedIn
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Meet Alexandra Bernardi

5/12/2023

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Broker Associate
​Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

A Realtor who has built her business on a passion for helping others while providing
​top-notch service curated to your needs, Alex Bernardi is in the business of helping you seamlessly and successfully achieve your real-estate goals. Becoming a real-estate agent allowed her to combine her love of art and architecture with her passion for helping others.


Originally from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Alex has called Chicago home for 15 years. Alex has a BA in Anthropology, Classical Art and Archaeology from Indiana University, and then went on to complete her Masters in Contemporary Art from Sotheby's Institute of Art London. Her grandfather is from northern Italy and she also had the unique experience of living in Rome for one year. Italy holds a special place in her heart.
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55 E Erie St. 1C
Chicago, IL United States 60611

Phone: 248.891.4869
Email: abernardi@jamesonsir.com
Follow me on LinkedIn
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Say Hello to Ann Pancotto

5/10/2023

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Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker in The Village

I have been a Real Estate Broker for over 25 years. I have been a multi-million dollar producer throughout my whole career and I am a consistent top producer. My husband and full-time partner has over 35 years’ experience in the Real Estate Industry. We both come from families with Real Estate backgrounds and have great experience in every area of the Real Estate market! 
 
​I have a Great group to service any Real Estate need in both Residential and Commercial properties! I am a member of The National Association of Realtors and Illinois Association of Realtors, Member of The International President's Circle. 
 
I  have specialized training as a Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS) and Short Sale, Foreclosure, REO Specialist (SFR) and Certified Global Luxury Property Specialist. I am ranked among the top 2% of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's 45,000 Real Estate Brokers and also ranked among the top 10% of NRT, LLC. Real Estate Brokers Nationwide.

I am a member of the ​International Presidents Circle / Residential and Commercial as well as a Global Luxury Property Specialist / Certified Relocation Specialist / SFR Certified.
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8 E. Hinsdale Ave.
​Hinsdale, IL 60521
 
Cell: (630) 479-4393
Email: annpancotto@gmail.com
Website: https://pancottorealestate.com
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    Author

    Salvatore J. Sciacca is the Executive Director and Founder of the CIAP organization.  He is an active member of the Italian American community in Chicago.

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