Celia Stahr, Author, “Frida in America”

Deborah Kobylt Live

Please welcome to our show, professor and author Celia Stahr, who wrote this outstanding book, “Frida In America,” chronicling a young Frida Kahlo accompanying her husband, renowned artist Diego Rivera, to America for the first time. Frida wasn’t yet known for her artwork, and the three years she spent on American soil, namely San Francisco, Detroit, New York, inspired Frida to become the political activist and artist she was famous for.

We speak with Celia about Frida becoming politically and socially aware of American social circles, the divide between rich and poor, the cultural divide of white, black, and brown America, where women stood in the framework of this changing country, just a few years after given the right to vote, and much more. All of it helped to shape this 23-year-old woman’s view on the world and ultimately her art. It’s a well-documented, fascinating read.

Please join me on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host and creator, #DeborahZaraKobylt. Thanks for tuning in, and please invite your friends, too!

Robert Alegrinni, NIAF’s President

Deborah Kobylt Live, Little Italy of LA

Please give a warm welcome to Robert Allegrini, the distinguished president of the National Italian American Foundation, which does tremendous work preserving and highlighting the image and legacy of Italian Americans (for which I am one). Robert joins our #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast to discuss NIAF’s mission for the Italian-American Community throughout the U.S. and beyond, and it’s very forward-thinking and exciting.

As Robert describes, one of the main goals of NIAF is to strengthen ties between the United States and Italy by reflecting positive images of Italians in business, film, politics, and more. NIAF also provides grants and scholarships, travel opportunities to Italy particularly to first-time visitors, called Voyage of Discovery, there’s a NIAF museum, GALA events to raise money for education and cultural initiatives. And Robert is here to tell us the vision of NIAF moving forward in a changing world, but the one constant remains preserving our cultural heritage and encouraging the next generation of Italians to carry the torch.

NIAF does so much, and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Robert so he can tell you all about it. As an aside, Robert has enjoyed an incredible career in public relations and marketing with some of the top hotel brands in the world (Waldorf Astoria for one), he’s an author, and let’s just say this isn’t his first time with NIAF. He’s been a champion for so long, it’s only fitting he’s now President🇮🇹

Please join our full interview LIVE on all video and audio platforms of our #LittleItaly Podcasts, also simulcast on #DeborahKobyltLIVE. I’m your host, creator, and beyond-proud Italian American, #DeborahZaraKobylt. Thanks for tuning in, and please invite your friends as wel l❤️💚