Welcome to the Italian Association of Arizona

Celebrating Italian heritage in the heart of the desert.

The Italian Association of Arizona is a vibrant 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and Advisory Council. Our mission is to establish Arizona’s premier Italian Cultural Center—a vibrant hub celebrating Italian heritage, traditions, and community.

We are committed to bringing this vision to life by gathering the necessary financial support to create an “All Italian Center”—a space dedicated to supporting and enriching the Italian American community of Arizona.

Join us in shaping history. Together, we can build Arizona’s own Italian Quarters, a dynamic destination filled with culture, connection, and invaluable resources for generations to come.

Meet the ‘24/’25 Board of Directors

  • Mickey Rao

    FOUNDER

  • Dario Soldan

    FOUNDER

    I arrived in the USA from Treviso, Italy, in 1987. Along with my wife, I own Classico Distributor LLC, an importing and distribution company specializing in Italian wines. As one of the founders of the Italian Association, I have proudly served as Vice President for the past two years.

    Deeply engaged with the Italian community on many levels, I am passionate about sharing my heritage and culture in Arizona, a place I proudly call my second home.

  • Caren Peyton

    SECRETARY

    Caren Peyton is a licensed Arizona Realtor® at Peyton Properties AZ with Coldwell Banker in the Biltmore/Paradise Valley office, specializing in residential, investment, and luxury properties.

    With over 30 years of international business experience, she was the Owner/Broker of CA.SA. International in Milan, assisting major clients like Coca-Cola, Gucci, and Donna Karan with commercial and residential real estate. She also founded Non Solo Crudo, a renowned restaurant in Piedmont’s wine country.

    For Americans relocating to Europe, Caren and her team simplify the home-buying process. A dual citizen and fluent in Italian, she serves as Secretary and Board Member of the Italian Association. Outside work, she enjoys tennis, golf, cooking, and hosting Italian cooking classes.

  • Peter Stazzone

    FOUNDING DIRECTOR

    Mr. Stazzone is a founding director of the Italian Association and holds dual citizenship with Italy and the United States.

    He has been a Chief Financial Officer for more than 25 years with public and private corporations with $5 Million to $1.2 Billion in revenues. Mr. Stazzone received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois and an MBA from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

  • Ron Pacioni

    Ron, a lifelong Phoenix resident, has played a key role in numerous metro-area developments alongside his father, including the award-winning Stadium Lofts.

    In 2007, he pursued his passion for the culinary arts by purchasing Coup Des Tartes, a beloved French restaurant, before returning to real estate with The Kay-Grant Group. Specializing in luxury properties across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley, he provides expert, discreet service to buyers and sellers.

    Ron is a board member of the Italian Association of Arizona and the Franciscan Renewal Center and co-founded The Kay-Grant Group’s Probate Division. He holds a B.S. in Economics from NAU and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, wine, golf, and reading.

  • Sean Gillespie

    Sean has 37 years of experience in commercial real estate. He began his career as a runner at Grubb & Ellis, moving on to L.J. Hooker International before joining Nathan & Associates, Inc. in 1986. Sean specializes in working with retail and industrial users for sales and leasing of acreage and pads. He also has extensive experience with homebuilders and multi-family developers, and is the firm’s government state land specialist. Sean also has experience in master plan consulting on commercial projects in the Houston and El Paso, Texas areas.

    Sean is active in the Green Building and recycling movement, and is a founding board member of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USCGC) Chihuahuan Desert Chapter and is experienced with LEED construction and neighborhood development. Sean is active in many charities and is a past board member of the Scottsdale League for the Arts. He attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix and received his BS/BAM and MBA from the University of Phoenix in 1991. He also holds a certificate in Spanish language from the Cuahunahuac Institute of Language in Mexico. Sean enjoys sailing in his free time and is a licensed skipper with extensive sailing experience.

  • Ignazio Piras

    Ignazio was born and raised in Sanluri (Sardinia, Italy) and moved to
    Arizona in 2015. He holds a Ph.D. in Population Genetics and works in
    Phoenix as a Research Scientist in the biomedical field, with more than
    20 years of experience.

    He is deeply engaged in the Italian community
    and, along with other members, founded the Facebook group “Italiani in
    Arizona” in 2018 to help Italians connect and exchange information. He
    joined the Board of the association in 2025 and is also an Advisory
    Board Member of the Judy Loker Initiative, a foundation dedicated to
    promoting brain health, education, and prevention strategies to reduce
    the risks of neurodegenerative diseases from an early age.

Our goal is to not only preserve and promote the rich tapestry of Italian culture but also to foster an environment that supports local businesses and increases awareness of Italian traditions, cuisine, arts, and industries. We envision an Arizona where Italian culture is a central part of the community's fabric, accessible to all who wish to explore and celebrate it.

Inspired by the dream of our founding members, we are on a journey to establish a cultural center that stands as the heart of what will become Arizona's own Little Italy. A place where the traditions, culture, and image of Italy are not only preserved but flourish, allowing the community at large to experience the true essence of Italy.

Join us as we continue to build this vibrant community, celebrate Italian culture, and foster connections that cross cultural boundaries. Together, we can make Arizona a home away from home for Italian culture enthusiasts and create a legacy that future generations will cherish.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

At the Italian Association, we offer a wide array of events and programs designed to bring a slice of Italy to Arizona. From authentic Italian language classes and culinary workshops to vibrant cultural festivals and art exhibitions, we provide numerous opportunities for our members and the wider community to engage with Italian culture. Our initiatives also aim to support local businesses and promote the Italian way of life, making Arizona a hub for Italian culture and community.

WHAT WE DO

Whether you are of Italian heritage, an admirer of Italian culture, or someone looking to explore new cultural experiences, the Italian Association of Arizona welcomes you. We believe in the power of community and the joy of sharing culture. Our events and programs are designed to educate, entertain, and inspire, bringing people together in celebration of Italy's indelible mark on the world.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY