The United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) has presented the Vittoria Food & Beverage CEO, Leslie Schirato, with the UNAA Lifework – Individual 2016 award for his contributions to the Australian coffee, food and beverage industry.
Schirato was also cited for his services to the community and philanthropic contributions to health, youth, rural areas, social welfare and those less fortunate, as well as investing time in mentoring the youth in business and talent development.
Each year the UNAA presents one award each to an individual and community in Australia.
In his acceptance speech, Schirato shared stories of humble beginnings. He acknowledged his migrant father and the work ethic instilled in him, which he has passed onto his children, Rolando and Gabriela. He made specific note of the extraordinary people he has worked with and met all over the world and the fortune this has afforded him.
Schirato said Vittoria’s well known graduate program and his contributions to philanthropic organisations, including The Curran Foundation and OzHarvest, have given him the greatest sense of achievement.