Our Team
The Grow Together Foundation was built by its founding team and our President Don Luigi Portarulo — but our working group is much larger, and it continues to grow every day. As we evolve, we are joined by people from diverse backgrounds and with unique talents, each offering a valuable contribution to the life and success of our Foundation.
If you’d like to get involved — whether by supporting our events, helping behind the scenes, or joining in the planning — we would love to hear from you. Together, we can keep building something meaningful.
Executive Committee
Don Luigi Portarulo, President and Founder
Don Luigi Portarulo is an Italian priest from the Vatican who serves as a pastor for Italian communities in New York City, leading Italian Masses at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Catheredal. He arrived in New York in 2022 to revitalize the community and has been instrumental in various cultural events in the city since then. A former player for the Vatican National Soccer Team, he brings the same spirit of teamwork and dedication to his ministry and social projects. In 2023, together with close friends, he co-founded the Grow Together Foundation.
Luca Lupi, Vice President and Co-Founder
Luca Lupi is a Senior Engineer and Project Manager at Bizzi & Partners in NYC.
As a professional engineer, Luca has built a career around problem-solving and innovation. With a collaborative spirit and a commitment to making a difference, he supports the Grow Together Foundation by bringing structure, practicality, and forward-thinking solutions to its projects.
Paolo Garlasché, Secretary and Co-Founder
Paolo Garlasché is an architectural designer and consultant who manages design projects across all phases—from schematic planning through construction — especially for mid- to large-scale developments.
He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and contributed to the architectural identity of key public and private projects.
He contributes his vision and expertise to the Grow Together Foundation, helping transform ideas into tangible initiatives.
Francesco Cacchioli, Chairman
Francesco Cacchioli is the Director of Marketing and Sustainability for MSC Crociere in NYC, where he oversees operational strategy, supply chain logistics, and cross-regional project execution. He has led initiatives to streamline processes, enhance performance metrics, and support the organization’s expansion with sustainable systems and scalable solutions.
As a Chairman of Grow Together, Francesco helps shape practical, sustainable solutions to expand the reach and impact of the Foundation’s projects.
Diego Rodinò di Maglione, Vice Chairman
With an extensive career in real estate and commercial development, Diego Rodinò di Miglione now serves as SVP and Head of Real Estate for North America at EssilorLuxottica. Prior to this role, he spent many years with Cushman & Wakefield, managing high-profile leasing, tenant representation, and institutional client relationships.
At the Grow Together Foundation, Diego leverages his strategic insight, negotiation skills, and network in real estate to support sustainable projects that require site selection, facility planning, or physical infrastructure.
Anna Chiara Favretto, Treasurer
As a Senior Credit & Accounting Manager at Loro Piana, Annachiara Favretto has developed deep expertise in luxury textiles, product development, and supplier relations, ensuring uncompromising standards of quality and innovation.
As Treasurer of the Grow Together Foundation, she applies this same rigor and precision to financial stewardship, overseeing resources with transparency and responsibility. Her ability to balance creativity with operational discipline makes her a vital contributor to the Foundation’s mission, supporting the sustainable growth of projects that strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
Get in Touch
Whether you’d like to join our events, support our mission, or simply learn more about what we do, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep building a stronger, more connected community.
Main Office
32 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
Contact Us
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Language Classes: [email protected]