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maria montessoriDonne di Merito Award

The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver has long acknowledged the contributions and achievements of Italian and Italian-American women to society as a whole. In March, International Women’s Month, the Dante Alighieri Society selects incredible donne di merito, (women of merit) who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments that have contributed to the promotion, maintenance and preservation of the Italian culture.  Recipients can be either contemporary or historical, and have significant ties to Colorado. Awards are presented annually at the Dante Alighieri Society's Awards Luncheon.

2021 Historical recipient - Genevieve Fiore (1912-2002)

genevieve fiorePhoto courtesy of Colorado Women's Hall of Fame.Genevieve Fiore dedicated her life to humanitarian and peace activities. For over fifty years, she worked with other nonprofit organizations, focusing on human rights and women’s rights. Referred to as Colorado’s “First Lady for Peace and International Cooperation,” she gave over 4,000 talks on various aspects of the United Nations, international issues, and women’s issues.

Genevieve was appointed by Governors Lamm and Romer as the Colorado Chair for United Nations Day. In 1947, she organized the Steele Center UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), a small community group working to establish international understanding. She established the Genevieve Fiore Educational Trust Fund and received numerous honors for her peace activism, including the George Washington Bronze Medal from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge and the UNESCO Michelangelo Medal. Genevieve was a co-founder of three Sister Cities Committees including the Denver Potenza Lodge.

In 1975, she was knighted by the Italian government for promoting the understanding of Italian culture. She participated in at least eight international conferences throughout the world from Italy to Kenya to Japan. In 1969 she received the prestigious Amita Award presented to outstanding women of Italian lineage. Genevieve is an inductee in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Genevieve’s son Philip accepted the award on behalf of his mother.