Diane is a second generation Italian American and born and raised in New Jersey. Her father’s family is from Calabritto, Italy and her mother’s family is from Gesso, Sicily. Diane relocated to California to go to USC for her master’s in industrial Hygiene. Diane worked as an industrial hygienist/safety professional for many years in aerospace and eventually made her way to San Diego where she worked for SDG&E as a safety and health manager.  Diane is waiting patiently for Italian citizenship recognition for herself and her children.  Diane has been a student at the Italian Cultural Center for several years.  Diane has a strong tie to Italy through family, culture and cooking.  In her spare time, Diane loves spending time with her family and friends, painting, travelling to Europe,  volunteering, and cooking and studying anything Italian.