Cathy La Torre Person of the Year Castellammare del Golfo
Cathy La Torre Named Castellammare del Golfo’s person of the Year
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CASTELLAMMARE DEL GOLFO, Italy (AP) — Cathy La Torre, a 45-year-old lawyer and activist renowned for her specialization in anti-discrimination law, was honored as “Person of the Year” for 2024 by her hometown, Castellammare del Golfo. The award was presented Saturday evening in the council chamber of Palazzo Crociferi.
Activism and Recognition
La Torre, who lived in Castellammare del golfo until high school, expressed deep emotion upon receiving the award, met with a standing ovation.An activist for civil rights as 1999, she has received numerous accolades for her work combating discrimination.
The “Person of the Year” prize,now in its fourth year,is awarded annually to individuals who bring prestige to Castellammare del golfo. The award, depicting the city’s coat of arms created by artist Giuseppe Bosco, was presented by Mayor Giuseppe Fausto and Rosaria Vitale, president of the Kernos Promotion Association, which organizes the event in collaboration with the Municipality.
Fighting Hate Speech
The commission’s motivation for awarding La Torre highlighted her long-standing activism. In a past interview, La Torre stated, “I decided to dedicate my life to the fight against any form of injustice, discrimination, bullying and hatred, even after having lived on my skin the unstoppable growth of the language of hatred, especially on social networks.” This commitment led her to co-found the ‘hate Costa’ campaign, providing pro bono support to victims of online hate.
Awards and Collaborations
La Torre’s dedication has earned her several prestigious awards. In 2019, she received “The Good Lobby Awards” in Brussels as the best pro bono lawyer in Europe and the “Community Choice” award for promoting a more democratic, united, and fair society. In 2020, she was recognized as one of the top 10 women of the year by ‘I woman’ and among the top 50 women of the year by ‘d’ of Repubblica.That same year, she also received the ‘Courage Emanuela Loi’ award. She is currently the Founder and CEO of Wildside Legal.
For years, La Torre has collaborated with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Equal Opportunities, working on projects related to equal treatment, anti-discrimination, and equality. In 2024, she was recognized as the best lawyer of the year in anti-discrimination law, equity, inclusion, and personality rights. She maintains an active presence on social media, where she is known as “lawyer.”
Mentions of Merit
Along with the “Person of the Year” award, the commission recognized seven individuals and organizations with mentions of merit:
- “A small steps” association
- “City of Castellammare del golfo” Music Banda
- Mirella Rizzo, UNICEF contact person
- Lidia Schillaci, singer
- Sabina Rossini Oliva, researcher and biologist at the University of Seville
- Giuseppe Elio Ligotti, poet and novelist
- Caterina Orlando, ENIT manager for the U.S. and Mexico markets
A career prize was also awarded to the poet Liliana Patti, which was accepted by her nephew, Giandomenico Patti.
Cathy La Torre: Castellammare del Golfo‘s ”Person of the Year” – A Q&A
Q: Who is Cathy La Torre?
A: Cathy La Torre is a 45-year-old lawyer and activist specializing in anti-discrimination law. She was recently honored as “Person of the Year” for 2024 by her hometown, Castellammare del Golfo, Italy.
Q: What is Cathy La Torre known for?
A: La Torre is recognized for her dedication to combating discrimination and advocating for civil rights. Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognition. She is also the Founder and CEO of Wildside Legal.
Q: Why was Cathy La Torre named “Person of the Year”?
A: The city of Castellammare del Golfo awarded La Torre “person of the Year” to recognise her contributions and the prestige she brings to the community. This award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions. The selection committee highlighted her long-standing activism.
Q: Where was the award ceremony held?
A: The award ceremony took place in the council chamber of Palazzo Crociferi in Castellammare del Golfo.
Q: What is ”Person of the Year” award about?
A: The “Person of the Year” award is now in its fourth year. It is indeed awarded annually to individuals who bring prestige to Castellammare del Golfo.The award depicts the city’s coat of arms, created by artist Giuseppe Bosco. It was presented by Mayor Giuseppe Fausto and Rosaria Vitale, the president of the Kernos Promotion Association.
Q: What is Cathy La Torre’s stance on fighting hate speech?
A: La Torre is a committed advocate against hate speech, declaring she decided to dedicate her life to fighting injustice, discrimination, and hatred “even after having lived on my skin the unstoppable growth of the language of hatred, especially on social networks.” This led her to co-found the “hate Costa” campaign, offering pro bono support to victims of online hate.
Q: Has Cathy La Torre received any other awards or recognition?
A: Yes, La Torre has received several prestigious awards. In 2019, she was honored with “The Good Lobby awards” in brussels as the best pro bono lawyer in Europe. She also received the “Community Choice” award.In 2020, she was recognized as one of the top 10 women of the year by ‘I woman’ and among the top 50 women of the year by ‘d’ of Repubblica. She also received the ‘Courage Emanuela Loi’ award. In 2024,she was recognized as the best lawyer of the year in anti-discrimination law,equity,inclusion,and personality rights.
Q: What collaborations has Cathy La Torre been involved in?
A: La Torre has collaborated with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Equal Opportunities for many years, working on projects related to equal treatment, anti-discrimination, and equality.
Q: Who else was recognized during the “Person of the Year” event?
A: Along with Cathy La Torre, seven other individuals and organizations received mentions of merit:
| Recipient | Category |
| ————- |:————-:|
| “A small steps” association | Association |
| “City of Castellammare del golfo” Music Banda | Music Group |
| Mirella Rizzo | UNICEF contact person |
| Lidia Schillaci | Singer |
| Sabina Rossini Oliva | Researcher and Biologist |
| Giuseppe Elio Ligotti | Poet and Novelist |
| Caterina Orlando | ENIT manager for the U.S. and Mexico markets |
Q: Was there any other award given at this event?
A: Yes, a career prize was awarded to the poet Liliana Patti, which was accepted by her nephew, Giandomenico Patti.