LAWRENCE — Psychological Center Board Member Stephanie Messina-Sewade and CEO Carina Pappalardo recently became the first two women to join the Merrimack Valley Chapter of UNICO, the nation’s largest Italian-American service organization.
Formed 33 years ago, UNICO of Merrimack Valley had only male members up until December, when Messina-Sewade became the organization’s first female. Pappalardo also became a member earlier this year, and Francesca Liberatore became the third.
UNICO is Italian for “unique” and “one of a kind.” The organization values unity, neighborliness, integrity, community and opportunity.
UNICO has existed around the county for more than 100 years and has more 100 chapters around the country. The Merrimack Valley Chapter was founded 33 years ago and has raised $1.1 million for local causes, as well as scholarships for Italian-American students who are heading to college.
More than 50 prominent Italian-Americans are members of the Merrimack Valley Chapter. They meet monthly to share dinners and Italian heritage, and work together on helping and serving deserving individuals and causes in the area.
“I am profoundly honored to be selected as one of the first women to be a part of UNICO Merrimack Valley serving a greater purpose,” said CEO Pappalardo. “The organization’s values are near and dear to my heart while helping and serving deserving individuals compliments my passion.”
“My Italian/Sicilian heritage has always been a strong and wonderful influence in my life. When Domenico asked if I would like to join as the first women, I felt I could be a great groundbreaker for the organization. It would be a great way to meet others, who shared our heritage but also a great way to give back to the community,” Messina-Sewade said. “Now almost 6 months from my induction, I have found it to be a welcoming group of individuals, who enjoy the camaraderie of their culture and very like minded in assisting those in the community. I’m thrilled that I joined and opened the door for more to follow.”
To learn more about UNICO’s Lawrence Chapter, visit: www.unicomerrimackvalley.org.