ReCoding Africa receives the 2024 Community Service Award from the American Club of Rome

The American Club of Rome (ACR) recently concluded a community-wide search for nominees for its prestigious 2024 Annual Community Service Awards. These awards recognize individuals in two categories: Outstanding American Citizen and Outstanding Italian Citizen. The results were celebrated at the ACR’s glamorous

"Puttin' on the Ritz" Cocktail Party & Buffet Dinner on October 17th at a luxurious Dolce Vita Hotel on Via Veneto. Attendees were invited to honor these exceptional individuals and their inspiring contributions, while enjoying an evening of camaraderie and celebration.

The Outstanding Italian Citizen Award went to Mariarosy Calleri for her work on ReCoding Africa, an educational program created under her non-profit organization R.O.S.A. The program focuses on teaching IT skills and empowering vulnerable youth in Tanzania to succeed in today’s digital world. ReCoding Africa has made a profound impact in Tanzania, enabling young people to compete in the global economy while contributing to the local development of their communities. The recognition is a testament to her tireless humanitarian efforts and dedication to social change through education.

In the category of Outstanding American Citizen, the award recognized the six founders of American Exchange Rome/Free Exchange: Lee Venturini del Greco, Lori Hickey, Nicole Franchini, Rebecca Spitzmiller, Susan Fiorentino, and Terry Levi. Their efforts in creating a vibrant and supportive network of nearly 600 members have fostered community growth and shared knowledge among professionals living and working in Rome. This collective commitment to community service reflects the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that defines the ACR.

Silvia Anna Zamarripa, President of ACR, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the diverse and passionate international community in Rome. She highlighted the importance of the American-Italian relationship and emphasized ACR's mission of fostering social and professional connections. Zamarripa acknowledged the invaluable support of her family, friends, and board members, including Marco Elser, Danilo Mori, Anne Tasca, and Diana Rocco, as well as volunteers who contributed to ACR’s ongoing success.

Pictured from left to right, Susan Fiorentino F.E. | Terry Levi F.E. | Lori Hickey F.E. | Rebecca Spitzmiller F.E. | Silvia Zamarripa ACR | Mariarosy Calleri Recoding Africa, and Nicole Franchini F.E. (not pictured) Lee Venturini del Greco F.E.

The evening was a blend of elegance, celebration, and recognition of the collective efforts that drive ACR’s mission forward. The club's work, entirely volunteer-driven, underscores the power of collaboration, a theme echoed in the evening's tribute to teamwork with a quote from Steve Jobs: "Great things are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people." ACR’s dedication to honoring those who serve the community reflects its belief in the transformative power of shared goals and mutual respect.

ACR’s events, such as this one, are not just about recognizing achievements but also about building lasting connections and fostering a culture of giving back. The acknowledgment of Calleri’s work in Africa and the contributions of the American Exchange Rome founders is a testament to the diverse ways in which community service can make a global impact. The American Club of Rome stands as a beacon of unity, honoring those who inspire change and champion the values of service and community. As they gathered to celebrate, ACR and its supporters took a collective victory lap, knowing that their shared efforts are what make these moments of recognition possible.