21 Facts About Genevieve Fiore

Genevieve Fiore was an American women's rights and peace activist, who was the founder, and served as the executive director, of the Colorado Division of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Genevieve Fiore was knighted by Italy in 1975 receiving the rank of Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia.

Genevieve Fiore's parents had immigrated to the United States in 1908 from Petina, Italy.

Genevieve Fiore's father was a miner, who taught himself blacksmithing and in 1919, moved with his family to Welby, Colorado.

Genevieve Fiore founded a UNESCO group at the Steele Center, though she initially had trouble getting others to support her pacifist views.

When no one else would accept the chairmanship, Genevieve Fiore took the role, planning to hire an executive director.

Genevieve Fiore presented programs on radio and television, at schools and organizations, discussing UNESCO's projects and relief programs.

Genevieve Fiore's presentations, totaling over 4,000, included her being on agendas with governors, congressmen, government officials, and businesswomen, urging international goodwill and cooperation.

Genevieve Fiore traveled throughout the state, and attended conferences in New York City, as well as internationally, including British Columbia, Canada; Italy; Japan; and Mexico.

In 1953, Genevieve Fiore helped create Il Circolo Italiano to promote friendship and understanding for the Italian-American community of Denver.

Genevieve Fiore retired in 1974, but she continued her involvement with the International Hospitality Center, hosting foreign visitors and encouraging others to participate.

Genevieve Fiore attended the International Women's Conference and Tribunal held in Mexico City in 1975.

Genevieve Fiore felt invigorated by the experience and pledged to continue to work for women's empowerment.

In 1977, Genevieve Fiore chaired the Colorado Women's Conference plan of action committee and received top votes to go as the state delegate to the National Women's Conference in Houston.

In 1983, the United States withdrew its UNESCO membership, citing mismanagement of funds, but Genevieve Fiore argued for Denver's group, which had never utilized government funds, to continue its independent status.

Genevieve Fiore's campaign was successful and in 1986, the organization changed its name to the UNESCO Association of Colorado.

In 1994, Genevieve Fiore began producing and hosting a weekly radio program called "Focus International", which examined international educational projects and UNESCO initiatives.

Genevieve Fiore died March 10,2002, in Denver and was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In 1967 Genevieve Fiore was honored as one of the inductees for the 1966 Colorado Women of Achievement Award along with Elizabeth McAulliffe Calabrese and Sabina O'Malley.

Genevieve Fiore was recognized nationally when she received the Freedoms Foundation's George Washington Medal and received the international Michelangelo Medal from UNESCO.

Genevieve Fiore was inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 1991.