In 1922, Unico was founded thanks to a few good Italian men. They wanted to make a difference through service to their local community with the creation of a charitable organization. Then, it was just a dream to support higher education, service, scholarships, and fellowship.

In 2022, today, one hundred years later, across the nation both male and female presidents are running Unico chapters fulfilling Dr. Vastola’s dream. Unico gives over one million dollars a year to charity and stands by the original mantra: Service Above Self.

Growing up, I had the privilege of being raised by wonderful parents that honored their Italian ancestors’ legacy. A lover of all things Italian, with an emphasis on the Renaissance, I find my joy in sharing the beauty of my Italian Heritage with others through art, travel, wine, food, and the silent pauses during an opera or the movement displayed in a Bernini sculpture. ALL THINGS ITALIAN bring culture to the world, lifting the spirit of humanity with one wave of the brush in a Da Vinci fresco or reading the words of Dante, the sommo poeta, of the Divine Comedy.

This healthy, honorable, and strong Italian American service organization stands for Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity. These are qualities that I, as a proud Italian American woman, aspire to live by. It is my great honor to serve Unico Highland Beach as the 2022 – 2023 president.

Grazie mille, Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie Conte Browne
Proud Italian American