2025 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.

2025 Contemporary recipient - Joannie Flynn

Rosalie Caputo 3

Joannie Velotta Flynn is the 2025 winner of the Dante Alighieri Society’s Donna di Merito award. The award is given annually to women who have made contributions to the promotion, maintenance, and preservation of Italian culture.

This year’s award is in recognition of Joannie’s many years of service to local Italian organizations. Ethnic organizations have long been a mainstay for preserving cultural heritage. Without members like Joannie, who give freely of their time, they wouldn’t exist. At last count Joannie has been an officer or a member of at least seventeen Denver Italian organizations.

The Dante is not the first organization to recognize her dedication. In 2021 she was chosen “Volunteer of the Year” by the Italian American Business Association (IABA) for her 50+ years as a very successful Tupperware business owner, as well as her continued volunteerism with Italian organizations.

Joannie was IABA secretary for 4 years, president of Il Circolo Italiano for 8 years, secretary of the Colorado Sons of Italy for 2 years and president of the Ladies Auxiliary Potenza Lodge for 2 years, and is a member of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. Through the years she has actively supported the Caruso Family Charities. She has also volunteered at a local food bank for 2 years.

A native of north Denver, she attended Mt Carmel High School. She is still actively involved with Mt Carmel Church where she is a Eucharistic Minister, on the pastoral council, and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society.

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