SFP Editor: Why and when did you come to Washington, DC?

My family moved here in 1980 when I was 7. I grew up in Springfield, VA and moved back to the area after college. I went Clemson University in South Carolina in 1991, and graduated in 1995.

SFP Editor: How did you get involved in the organization you work for?

Terry: I began as a young professional--in the "Fieri" club of Washington (www.fieri.org). I wanted a different job experience from the World Bank so I came to NIAF in November 2000.

SFP Editor: What is your organization's mission?

Terry: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving the heritage of an estimated 20 million Americans of Italian descent, the nation's fifth largest ethnic group.

The NIAF funds scholarships, internships, conferences and other programs, and promotes closer cultural and economic ties with Italy.

SFP Editor: How have you been able to reach out to and raise awareness of the Italian community in Washington, DC?

Terry: We try to honor Italian Americans who have accomplished interesting and notable things. We haven't focused on many Washingtonians at this point but we are actively recruiting the new members of Congress.

SFP Editor: Have you been to the new Italian embassy? If so, what was it like?

Terry: Not yet.

SFP Editor: Have you been to Italy? If so, describe your favorite place.

Terry: Yes, three times, lucky me. My aunt was in the Foreign Service and served in Florence in the 1980s. I think I have two favorite places: the Amalfi Coast (between Rome and Naples) and my favorite experience was climbing to the top of Mount Vesuvius with my brother and peering in the crater!

SFP Editor: What about the Italian heritage do you most want to communicate in your work?

Terry: Since I'm half Sicilian, I like the warmth and expressive nature that a lot of the Cordaros (and I) have. I like to take pride in my heritage.

SFP Editor: Do you speak Italian? How did you learn or if not, do you plan to with your job?

Terry: A little. In 1988, I spent a month in an intensive course in Florence. I'm fluent in French and I speak some Spanish though so I can figure out a lot of Italian.

SFP Editor: Any interesting events coming up with your organization?

Terry: Nothing really open to the general public. We do have an "Institutes" day in New York May 15 in which there are two panel discussions; one on Christopher Columbus, since many historians villianize him; also a discussion on the show "The Sopranos". My office is concerned because they feel that the show perpetuates the "mafioso stereotype" held about Italian Americans, which came into fashion especially after The Godfather's film release in 1972.

SFP Editor: Does your organization have a web site? If so where can they find it and what will they find on it?

Terry: www.niaf.org