Pierangela (Peloso) Pica
Community Pillars
Pierangela (Peloso) Pica was born and raised in Ottawa to parents from Abruzzo, Italy, and is a proud Canadian deeply rooted in her Italian heritage. A retired federal public servant and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation professional, her 35-year career spanned communications, media relations, diversity, talent management, and mental health. Fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, Pierangela holds a B.A. with Honours and a Master of Arts in Communications, specializing in Canadian broadcasting and distance education.
A lifelong volunteer and cultural ambassador, Pierangela has made an indelible impact on the Ottawa community and beyond. She is the founder and musical director of the Arcobaleno Youth Choir at St. Anthony’s Church, a role she has held since 1993, inspiring generations through music, mentorship, and community service. She was a founding member and host of Tele-30, Ottawa’s Italian television program on Rogers TV, and a radio host on CHIN Radio 97.9 FM. A prolific contributor to Italian-Canadian newspapers such as L’Ora di Ottawa and Il Postino, she has worked tirelessly to celebrate and preserve Italian culture.
Pierangela has devoted over two decades to raising awareness and funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), a cause deeply personal to her. In memory of her father and aunt, both of whom passed from ALS, she and her family have raised over $170,000 for ALS research and patient services through walks, concerts/dinner galas, silent auctions, and donor campaigns. She accepts donations for her musical performances, using the funds to purchase and donate vital medical equipment to ALS patients through the Ottawa chapter’s loan cupboard and to donate to research to the Neuromuscular Centre at The Ottawa Hospital.
Her volunteerism spans a remarkable range of causes: from emceeing galas for the Kidney Foundation and Italian Week, to organizing fundraising concerts for ALS Ontario and other charities, to performing for telethons, long-term care homes, and community events. She is a long-standing volunteer at Villa Marconi Long Term Care Centre and has offered translation services and national anthems performances at major events, including on Parliament Hill and at professional sports games.
Along with her siblings, Pierangela has also composed and recorded songs for charitable campaigns and schools, including “I Celebrate All That You Are,” in memory of and as a musical tribute to her father. This song became the theme song across Canada for ALS events and continues to help raise funds for ALS research and patient services across the country. Other songs include “We Are One,” an internationally recognized youth anthem that was originally created for Manotick Public School during National Education Week; “Discover the Wonder of You” created for the launch of Steve MacLean Public School; “Il Filò siamo io e te – The Filò, it’s you and me” theme song for the Ottawa Italian Women’s Filò Gala; “We Help Each Other” for St. Anthony Elementary School’s 90th Anniversary; and, “Be a Star in Someone’s Life” for the 2008 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign.
Her honours include the Canada Volunteer Award, Maria Ierullo Filò Award, Italian of the Year (Premio L’Italiano dell’Anno), St. Anthony’s Volunteer Medal, ALS Canada National Fundraising Award, and recognitions from the Kidney Foundation, United Way/Centraide, and the federal public service.
Pierangela often reflects with gratitude on the many blessings in her life—devoted and loving parents, a supportive family, good health, and the strength and values instilled in her from an early age. She attributes these gifts to her faith, her upbringing, and the unwavering support of her family. Motivated by a deep sense of gratitude, she feels a strong calling to give back to life all that she has so generously received.
Pierangela (Peloso) Pica is a humble, devoted, and compassionate community leader whose service, voice, and example have enriched countless lives. Her work embodies the spirit of generosity and unity with grace, faith, and love.
