2026 Contemporary recipient

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Award Recipients

Donne 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.

2026 Contemporary recipient - Susan Giamarvo

Rosalie Caputo 3

Susan Giamarvo is the distinguished 2026 recipient of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver Donna di Merito award, recognized for her outstanding contributions to the promotion and preservation of Italian culture. Her dedication is especially evident through her pivotal role in establishing October as Italian Heritage Month (IHM) in 2019. Susan authored the original Governor’s proclamation for IHM, which continues to be used each October, ensuring a legacy for the celebration of Italian heritage in Colorado.

Beyond her work with IHM, Susan played an instrumental role in the nomination and induction of Mother Cabrini into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 2022, honoring a key figure in Italian American history. Susan’s leadership was also evident during her presidency of the Dante Alighieri Society in 2013 and 2014.

She is a member and trustee of the Sons & Daughters of Italy, serving as events coordinator and participating in the organization’s 66th and 67th anniversary committees. Currently, Susan holds the position of Secretary with the Italian American Business Association (IABA). Her achievements in the community were further recognized when she was named Italian American of the Year at the 2019 Bravo Awards by the IABA.

After retiring in 2005 from her role as District Executive Director for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Susan continued to be active in numerous business and professional organizations. Her involvement includes the Denver Area Labor Federation, the Colorado Film and Video Association, and the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.

Her commitment to public service is reflected in her appointments by state and city leaders: in 1991, Governor Roy Romer appointed her to the State Job Training Coordinating Council, and in 1994, Mayor Wellington Webb appointed her to the Denver Women’s Commission. In 1996, Susan was honored with the Leader of Excellence Award from the Colorado Women’s Leadership Coalition, further underscoring her impact and dedication to community leadership.