10/13/2026
District Spotlight
Congratulations to Vincenza Carrieri-Russo on receiving the Industry Impact Award at the 2026 Delaware Restaurant Association Cornerstone Awards!
It was wonderful to celebrate Vincenza alongside her wonderful family and so many other outstanding leaders in Delaware’s restaurant and hospitality industry.
Vincenza’s impact extends far beyond the restaurant industry. During the pandemic, she worked alongside the Delaware Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association to advocate for an industry facing unprecedented challenges.
Her commitment to service began long before opening V&M Bistro. At just 18 years old, she co-founded Success Won’t Wait, a Wilmington literacy nonprofit dedicated to collecting and redistributing books to those who need them. Her dedication to public service earned national recognition, including the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award.
Today, she continues to make a difference as the executive state director of Miss Delaware USAand Miss Delaware Teen USA empowering young women to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become engaged in their communities. She also connects with Delawareans as co-host of Good Morning Delaware on DETV - The DETV Foundation.
Vincenza represents the very best of Delaware: entrepreneurship, leadership, advocacy, and a genuine commitment to giving back. Her recognition is well deserved, and it was an honor to celebrate this achievement with her family and fellow industry leaders.
Congratulations, Vincenza, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for all you do for our community and for your friendship! If you’re looking for great Italian food, check out V&M Bistro. You won’t leave disappointed!
