Miami, June 13, 2024 – Dean of Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation, Pamela Fuertes Berti, was recently bestowed the Italian National Honor of the Knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy (“Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia”) by the Hon. Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy in Miami. This distinction is for individuals who have reached special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries and the promotion of ties with Italy.
“I want to thank Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega and Provost Malou Harrison for their leadership in empowering and creating the conditions that allow me to pursue and build on these global business and cultural diplomacy efforts in support of our students, faculty and the MDC community,” said Dean Fuertes Berti. “I would also like to acknowledge and thank Consul General Mistò for his commitment and our partners in Italy, the U.S., and Miami for their support and partnership. This honor is a testament to the work we accomplish together.”
In addition to Dean Fuertes Berti, other recipients of this prestigious distinction included Joseph Gulino, National Italian American Foundation Board Member and Attorney Managing Partner, DRRT; Dr. Chiara Mazzucchelli, Professor of Modern Languages and Literature, University of Central Florida; and Todd Kocourek, President & CEO, Florida First Capital.
“I am pleased that Dean Fuertes was selected to receive the Order of the Star of Italy.” said Consul General Mistò. “Dean Fuertes’ unremitting commitment to fostering joint Italian-US initiatives and collaborations, her commendable dedication to teaching and researching, make her an outstanding recipient of this highly regarded award, which intends to formally acknowledge the merit of those special individuals, all over the world, that enrich their communities by strengthening ties of friendship to Italy, in every walk of life. We are fortunate to have Dean Fuertes as a shining example of commitment to mutual understanding and increasingly fraternal, enriching, and solid relations between our Italy and the US. This well-deserved recognition is timely, as Miami Dade College and the Italian Consulate General continue to explore opportunities of collaboration in international business, global leadership, the creative industries, and cultural initiatives.”