WOW Career Symposium

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

As part of the Women of Wisdom celebration, Sophia Academy hosts a full-day career symposium. Each year, an extraordinarily diverse group of women join us as panelists to host their own sessions and workshops to show by example that they, too, have the inherent talent and wisdom to follow any pathway they choose.

In small discussion groups, our panelists host sessions to share their wisdom and answer students and young graduates' questions. During the workshops, panelists create an interactive and engaging learning opportunity for our students and young graduates to participate in.

Symposium Panelists

We were thrilled to welcome the following individuals, and more, to our school to share their journey, wisdom and encouragement with our students on October 22nd. We hope they will inspire you as much as they inspire us.

last updated 10/3/2024

Donate in Honor of a panelist

Alisha Pina

Owner/Entrepreneur

Alisha A. Pina is a curator of words - spoken, written, and sung. The Rhode Island native is a national-award winning writer, soul-stirring singer, thought-provoking spoken word artist and equity-focused motivational speaker. This Cape Verdean and Indigenous child of God, community leader and entrepreneur has been featured consistently all over New England, and is unapologetic about letting her vulnerability have its space and place to live freely.

Ana Barraza

Director, URI Women's Center

Ana W. Barraza considers herself a native Rhode Islander. She migrated from Guatemala to Providence's West End with her family in 1974. Her parents still live in the home they moved into at that time. Attending schools in Providence, ultimately graduating from Central High School in 1988, and attending the University of Rhode Island through the Talent Development Program, she earned her Bachelor degree in English Literature with a concentration in African/African-American literature from the University of Rhode Island in 1994 and her Master of Science degree In Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island in 2004.

Ana worked for 10 years in mental health and substance abuse then ultimately transitioned to corporate America prior to pursuing a career in Higher Education. Ana's work in higher education has been primarily focused on access to education for underrepresented populations and mentoring women of color. She has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island teaching incoming undergraduate through master’s level students. A former staff member the Minor for Leadership Studies at URI (2005-2009) She has also been a tutor and mentor to incoming first year students accepted through the Talent Development program at URI. She has 20 years experience in Higher Education, previously having worked at the Roger Williams University School of Law, Brown University, Texas Woman's University, the University of Connecticut, Brown University Pre-College Program, the University of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University, Stonehill College, and Semester at Sea.

Ana serves on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Providence, is a former board member of the Paul Cuffee School and Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School, both in Providence, RI. She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew and traveling. Ana currently serves as the Vice President of the Theta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Rhode Island chapter and is a member of the Equity Leaders Initiative (Cohort I) through the RI Foundation. Ana is involved in many civic and community programs in the greater Providence area.

Asia Bourget

Owner/Entrepreneur/Lash artist

Hi, I am Asia Bourget, mother of two, wife and boss. I’ve been an entrepreneur for about 8 years and a lash artist for 6. I am the owner of Sil Studio, LLC, a luxury lash studio located in Middletown, RI. My studio focuses on creating a luxury experience for each guest, as I provide the highest quality of individual eyelash extensions, natural lash lifts and LED Teeth whitening. My job is to enhance the beauty of people’s eyes. I genuinely enjoy curating lash looks for each and every person that comes through my doors. In my beginning years as an entrepreneur I started a swimwear brand, that was based online and in a few different boutiques throughout the US. I designed, sourced fabric and founded my own manufacturer. I then went on to help other women start fashion brands as well. Now that I am a mom of two beautiful girls, they are my main focus. Alongside running a business I am a stay at home mom. Becoming an entrepreneur is really hard work day in and day out but it also allows me to have flexibility within my day to day life. Which creates more time and space for my family. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, eating good food and hanging with my closest friends!

Contessa Brown

business owner & holistic wellness therapist

Contessa Brown is a Newport, RI native, currently residing in Providence, RI. She is a spoken word artist, local influencer and motivational speaker who goes by the name of Countess B. Contessa Brown is the Founder/CEO/Director of Café S.O.U.L.; which recently reached 15 years in business!! She began Café S.O.U.L. to serve as a positive platform for the community to creatively connect and collaborate. Born ‪September 4th‬, she has always been determined to deliver happiness to every person she meets. She is a grad of Roger Williams University, holding a Master’s of Science in Leadership and Bachelor's in Psychology. She recently received a Masters in Holistic Clinical Counseling from Salve Regina University in May 2023 in order to start a private practice in expressive therapy. She is a clinician at Serene Way LLC and Dyad Psychology LLC. Contessa anticipates to lead the current and future generations to a new level of experiencing art, entertainment and mental wellness through Café S.O.U.L. and Countess Wellness Services.

As a motivational speaker, poet, and future counselor, she hosts weekly digital shows like Monday Morning Motivational, S.O.U.L.ful Sundays, and Friday Fyieeeeezy to educate and inspire her community. A connector of people, she discusses relevant topics, sometimes featuring some of Rhode Island’s most dynamic guests. When she is not hosting shows or performing original poetry, she is developing and facilitating workshops around poetry and mental health or speaking at colleges and corporations all around New England. As a creative and entrepreneur, she is the CEO of Café S.O.U.L. and the founder of a non-profit called Queen’s Closet. Approaching its 15th year, Cafe S.O.U.L. is one of Rhode Island’s premier platforms for the arts. Café S.O.U.L. hosts events like open mics, art shows, book releases, and networking events with a speak-easy flare. Café S.O.U.L. skillfully combines a welcoming atmosphere with diverse creative expression, which encourages and empowers all who attend. Queen’s Closet honors the queen in all women by providing beautiful accessories and garments for domestic violence survivors at no cost to them. Their goal is to remind women that they always have been and always will be precious gems. A published author, her book, “The Inconvenient Truth”, released in 2021.

Courtney Rebensdorf

Veterinarian

Dr. Courtney Rebensdorf received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1984. She was the owner of two veterinary hospitals in Cranston, RI - Oaklawn Animal Hospital and Cranston Animal Hospital. Past President of the RI Veterinary Medical Association, she currently serves on their board as Director Emerita. She has also served as the delegate from RI to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2016 Dr. Rebensdorf was appointed by Governor Gina Raimondo to serve on the RI Board of Examiners in Veterinary Medicine and is the current representative from RI to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. She was RI Veterinarian of the Year in 2014. During the pandemic, in response to urgent need, she gave her time providing COVID vaccinations to underserved communities across the state as part of the RI Disaster Medical Assistance Team’s Medical Reserve Corps and at present volunteers with the Samaritans of RI - a confidential, non-judgmental crisis hotline to help address today’s mental health issues.

Dr. Hume Johnson

leadership coach & professor of communication

DR. HUME JOHNSON is a brand-centered leadership coach, personal branding consultant, and professor of communication at Roger Williams University.

Drawing on her proprietary personal branding framework, ‘The Currency of YOU’™️, she helps individuals, organizational leaders and teams unlock their personal brand so that they can stand out as trusted experts and industry leaders.

At Roger Williams University, Dr. Johnson teaches a variety of communication courses, including personal branding, communication in organizations, communicating in crisis, media relations, introduction to the mass media and public speaking. At Hume Johnson.com, she offers an online course entitled: ‘OWN YOUR VALUE ™: A Personal Branding Masterclass’

Dr. Johnson is the author of three books: the personal branding guide, Brand YOU: Reinvent Yourself, Redefine Your Future, currently adopted by two college MBA programs; Brand Jamaica: Reimagining a National Image and Identity (University of Nebraska Press, 2019) and Challenges to Civil Society: Protest and Governance in Jamaica (Cambria Press, 2011).

A former news anchor, and political speechwriter with the Government of Jamaica, Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Her research focuses on nation branding, popular protest and governance and personal branding in the digital knowledge economy.

Her work has been published in top academic journals such as Political Studies, Journal of Nation Branding and Public Diplomacy and International Journal of Media and Culture. Her political commentary has been covered in media outlets such as the BBC World news, O’Globo (Brazil), CBC (Montreal), Jamaica Gleaner, Television Jamaica and Radio Jamaica.

Dr. Johnson speaks locally and internationally for leading corporations, NGOs, and at academic conferences. She also makes appearances as a TV guest to talk about personal branding on various media outlets, including The Rhode Show (WPRI12/CBS Providence), Television Jamaica, CVM TV, and Business Access TV. Dr. Johnson writes for the popular business publication Entrepreneur.com

Erin L Batth

Head Coach, Women's Basketball

Erin Batth was named head women’s basketball coach on March 20, 2023. She is the first Black female head coach in program history and one of 11 Black female head coach in BIG EAST Conference women’s basketball all-time. She will patrol the sidelines for a second season in 2024-25 after guiding Providence to the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2023-24.

Batth came to Providence with 17 years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level. She spent the 2022-23 season at Michigan, where she served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Wolverines. In her lone season in Ann Arbor, Batth helped guide Michigan to its 11th NCAA Tournament appearance. The Wolverines claimed a No. 6 seed in the tournament, equaling the second-best seed in program history. Michigan finished the season with a 23-10 overall record (11-7 Big Ten) and was ranked in the national polls for 19-consecutive weeks. Michigan was ranked as high as No. 12 during the 2022-23 campaign and checked in at No. 18 in the final poll heading into the NCAA Tournament. Michigan advanced to the Second Round, before falling to ninth-ranked and No. 3 seed LSU, 66-42, on March 19.

Prior to her arrival in Ann Arbor, Batth spent four seasons at NC State (2018-22), helping the Wolfpack to three-straight ACC Tournament titles for the first time in program history. In her four seasons, NC State compiled a 110-17 record, reached the NCAA Sweet 16 three times and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2022. Additionally, NC State finished inside the top-10 of the national rankings each of her four seasons with the program. Batth worked with the post players, including ACC Tournament MVP and All-American center Elissa Cunane. The 2021-22 team won a program-record 32 games and finished the year ranked No. 3 in the final Associated Press poll.

Prior to joining NC State, Batth was an assistant coach at Liberty (2017-18). The Lady Flames swept the Big South regular season and tournament titles and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. She worked with 2018 Big South Player of the Year Keyen Green and helped Liberty finished the season ranked No. 18 among NCAA Division I programs in rebounding margin (+8.4).

Batth also spent time at Georgia State (2014-17), Tennessee Tech (2012-14) and Towson (2010-12) as an assistant coach. She was the director of operations for Hall of Fame inductee Debbie Ryan at Virginia for three seasons (2007-10) after spending the 2006-07 season as an executive assistant to the general manager and operations specialist for both the NBA's Sacramento Kings and the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs. She began her coaching career as an assistant coach at VCU in 2004-05.

Batth played collegiately at Clemson and graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in management. She earned Second-Team Defensive All-America honors and All-ACC Second Team honors during her career. As a senior, she averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and finished her impressive four-year career with 972 points, 722 rebounds and 116 blocked shots. She helped the Tigers to four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and helped Clemson advance to the Sweet 16 in 1999.

Off the court, Batth served as Clemson's representative to the ACC Student-Athlete Academic Board, the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Board and was a Clemson Minority Council representative. Batth was nominated, twice, for the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership award, was recipient of the 2001 ACC "Top Six" community service award and was inducted to the Clemson Tiger Brotherhood.

Batth was the first player from Clemson drafted into the WNBA, going to the Cleveland Rockers in 2001. She played professionally with Panithnaikos and Appollon (in Greece) and Migros (in Turkey). Her WNBA experience also included time with the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Sacramento Monarchs.

Batth, a native of Marietta, Ga., has one daughter, Sierra, and will be joined in Friartown by her fiancé, Eric.

Ettay Bailey

Supervisor Gas Construction

In 2016 Ettay Bailey became the first female Supervisor on the gas field operations construction team for Rhode Island Energy. As the supervisor she is accountable to work in unison with approximately 250 plus union employees and contractors to ensure the safe and reliable replacement of more than 75 miles of aging gas pipeline annually.

A Rhode IslandI Native, Ettay is passionate and dedicated to giving back to the community through mentoring and sharing her personal journey. Ettay is a strong advocate for promoting equity and equality and stands strong in the belief that everyone has a voice and deserves a seat at the table.

Helena Moronta

First Vice President Community Development DEI officer

Helena Moronta is the First Vice President Community Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Coast Bank. With over two decades of experience spanning there is sectors of finance. Moronta has honed her expertise in team-building, curriculum development, and policy implementation. She has a proven track record of effectively leading teams to achieve year over a year success, driving sustain improvements in sales, operational soundness and fostering strong team allyship. Moronta‘s educational background includes studies in finance at the University of Rhode Island and has pursuit additional education in DEI and Leadership concentrations from Cornell University, Brown University, and Babson College, providing her with a strong foundation for her career in leadership in the financial industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, Moronta is deeply committed to community service and youth empowerment. She actively serves on the board of Project Goal, Rhode Island Bankers Association and both the Massachusetts Bankers Association DEI Council and the United Way Advisory Board. Passionate about fostering inclusion and empowering communities, Moronta leverages her bilingual fluency in Spanish and proficiency and Portuguese to connect with diverse communities and drive positive change. Through her leadership and dedication, Moronta continues to make meaningful contributions to both her organization and the communities she serves through uplifting every voice and vision.

Ineida Rocha

Freelance

Ineida Lopes De Carvalho – Rocha, was born and raised in Santiago, Ineida is very passionate about social justice, racial and health Equity, community development, language, music, dance and culture preservation.

Since she immigrated from Cape Verde at age 21, she has taught traditional/folkloric dance and language to many Cape Verdean-Americans in RI. She worked for lifespan for over 10 years as a multi-lingual interpreter and as an Ultrasound Technician. Her passion and commitment to community education led her to become a Certified Spanish, Portuguese, and Cape Verdean Housing Counselor in the state of RI, and taught the first ever state of RI, first-time homebuyers education class using a cape Verdean creole language.

During the pandemic, Ineida led the Covid-19 Crisis Response team as R.I. Cape Verdean Coalition effort, focusing on hygiene products to families in need in undeserved cities, while also centering culturally appropriate food to the community. She truly embodies “It takes a village.” Currently, she works as a Health Equity Coordinator in the Rhode Island Department of Health where she works with community-based organizations and partners to help determine social determinants of health, address health disparities, language access, build healthy and resilient communities and achieve health equity. For this work, he has been the recipient of the 2021 NAACP George Lima Award for her leadership, the 2022 University of Rhode Island Black Scholar Award for All-around outstanding community service, and the 2023 Oasis International Community Service Award in Pubilc Health. Ineida also is a proud member of Rhode Island Foundation Equety leadership, Cohort 2023/2024.

Mrs. Rocha earned a Bachelor of Science in Professional Leadership Studies at the University of Rhode Island, DEI Certificate from Brown University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree. This degree will further solidify her journey in the world of advocacy and education across several dimensions of the much-needed change throughout the state of Rhode Island.

Janyia Mckinney

direct support/residential counselor

Hello All, My name is Janyia Mckinney , I am African American 21 year old female and have resided in Providence Rhode Island all my life. I Attended Times Squared Academy Kindergarten through 8th grade and Village Green Virtual plus Juanita Sanchez for high school. Growing up I participated in many programs such as sailing, student government, chess club and more. After High School I immediately started working as security in Rhode Island Hospital and then afterwards a Patient Care Attendant in the same hospital. Both jobs taught me empathy and awareness for others with unfortunate situations. Continuing My journey in mental health I joined an agency that provides 1 on 1 jobs with many adolescent programs. Being around my clients makes me feel wholesome because as unfortunate there situations might be I can sleep knowing they have people like myself to care for them. Being young is a plus because I can continue to move up and continue my journey. I hope talking to these wonderful students will shed some light about working in such a field and also educate them about some things they are not aware of and being so young will give them a great push !

Joke Alesh

Dentist

Dr. Alesh was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island and is an alumnus of Classical High school. At four years old she decided she wanted to become a dentist because of the positive impact of her pediatric dentist. She went on to become a ”triple jumbo” at Tufts University. As an undergraduate student she triple majored in community Heath, child development, and biomedical engineering. As part of the early acceptance program she attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and earned her doctorate in medical dentistry. Dr. Alesh completed her education at Tufts by earning her masters in public health at Tufts Medical School. She owns Marigold Dental Studio in Pawtucket, RI and provides care to underserved patients at a community health center in Northern RI. In addition to clinical dentistry, Dr. Alesh also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of RI Dental Health Program and serves as a member of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Board of Advisors. She is also an entrepreneur and runs a wedding & event management business (Primary Weddings & Events) and an e-commerce business selling satin lined scrub caps (Eliqa Headwear). She has a profound love for learning, mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, and increasing the diversity of the dental workforce.

Julissa Pereirs

Founder/Executive Director

Julissa Pereira is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in community-based employment services and education. She has worked as an employment specialist, focusing on supporting single-parent households and helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. Her career also includes working in a school setting, where she played a pivotal role in alternative learning programs, providing guidance and mentorship to at-risk youth. In addition to her work with youth, Julissa has provided support to individuals with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals involved in the justice system. Her compassionate approach and deep understanding of her clients’ unique challenges have allowed her to make a significant impact in these communities. Recently graduating with a bachelor's degree in professional studies, Julissa has used her academic knowledge and life experiences as a mother of two to create a nonprofit organization. This organization is dedicated to empowering and providing resources to those facing obstacles similar to those she encountered, making her work both personal and transformative. Her passion for social justice, education, and community building shines through in all aspects of her work, making her a driving force for positive change.

Kajette Solomon

Social Equity and Inclusion Specialist

Kajette Solomon (she/her) is RISD Museum's first Social Equity and Inclusion Specialist. Her role endeavors to shape, implement, and manage the Museum’s efforts to build an equitable, diverse and inclusive institution for all. Kajette is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative professional development program and is member-at-large on the board of the American Association for Museum Volunteerism. Kajette is co-curator of the exhibition, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch, as well as co-editor of the accompanying publication. Her writing was included in the recent collection From Small Wins to Sweeping Change: Working Together to Foster Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism in Museums (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022) and is the 2024 awardee of the American Alliance of Museums Recognition for the Advancement of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. She holds a BA in Art History from Arcadia University and MA in Modern and Contemporary Art History, Theory, and Criticism from Purchase College. A proud Jamaican immigrant, raised in Queens, NY. A wife to her childhood best friend and mom of two amazing kids.

Keesler Gomes

Doula/ Program Manager

My name is Keesler Gomes. I am a Mom of 2 young men, and 2 angel babies. I am a loving and supportive daughter, sister, and friend. I am a reproductive justice fighter.

I was a CNA for 20yrs. I have been a Birth/ Full Spectrum Doula, and Breast-feeding Support Person for 6 and a half years. I have been a Certified Perinatal Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator and Certified Lactation Educator for 5 years. And Program Manager at the Urban Perinatal Education Center for 2 and a half years.

UPEC is an organization located in Pawtucket that provides free childbirth education classes, Doula referrals, Breastfeeding Support, Early Pregnancy and Early Postpartum care focused on the Black and BIPOC community in RI. We are a Black woman organized and operated 501c3. Our goal is improving maternal child health for those most impacted by the disparities. I am blessed to get to provide service to Pregnant and Postpartum Families everyday.

Latisha Michel

Founder of Ready set Latch go

My Name is Latisha Michel, I am a devoted wife, mother of 6 and Founder of Ready Set Latch Go, LLC. I am a RI Certified Perinatal Doula.

As a Certified Doula I provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor and beyond. In addition to being a Doula, I hold Certifications as a Lactation Counselor, Childbirth Educator and Maternal and Child HealthSpecialist. These additional certifications allow me to offer educational classes related to childbirth, lactation and infant care.

As co-chair of the Rhode Island Strategic Breastfeeding Plan and chair of the Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition, I actively promote breastfeeding initiatives.

Additionally, I serve as a Community Health Worker ((Independent Provider) able to accept medicaid for my services. I am also a member of the Rhode Island maternal mental health task force.

My work is rooted in a profound sense of duty, compassion, and advocacy. It represents my journey—a testament to my unwavering dedication to serving my community and advocating for the health and well-being of all individuals. I do so with humility, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that every birth I attend is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and to help usher new life into the world with dignity, respect, and love.

Leniza Evy Costa

MAKEUP ARTIST | MODEL| BEAUTY CONTENT CREATOR

Leniza Evy Costa is a makeup artist based in Rhode Island who specializes in natural and softglam makeup. Her simple love for makeup has now become her main business. From what started with just doing her and her sister’s makeup, has now garnered the attention of many clients. When she’s not busy making her clients in her chair feel more beautiful, she is working on her brand as a model and beauty content creator where she has organically grown her audience and not only captured the attention of thousands of Internet users, but simultaneously has become a lifestyle resource for her followers. Her online presence has inspired many of her peers to collaborate, build confidence, as well as express themselves in their own unique way. She keeps her followers engaged by continuously sharing her love for makeup, hair, fashion and life itself.

Lisa Solano

Juvenile Probation officer

Providence resident entire life. Attended Providence public schools. Graduated Classical, the RI college. Social worker for 24 years. With the state since 2017. First DHS then 2019 Probation/Parole.

Malaysia King

Juvenile Justice Clinician

Hello, I am SO excited to join you this year, bringing a wealth of experience as a Juvenile Justice Clinician at Tides Family Service and ten years in social work. As a native of Providence, Rhode Island, and alumna of Mount Pleasant High School, I went on to earn double bachelor's degrees in Human Development and Family Studies and Gender and Women's Studies, with double minors in Leadership and Mathematics, from the University of Rhode Island. My career has spanned early education, domestic violence advocacy, DCYF, hospital care, and individual therapy, culminating in a Master's degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College and licensure in July 2022. I remain deeply committed to community engagement and frequently interact with local youth through various nonprofit affiliations.

Melissa A. Long

Associate justice

Melissa A. Long was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court on January 11, 2021. Before her elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Long served for over three years as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, where she was assigned to be in charge of, or to assist on, various calendars in Providence County. Immediately prior to joining the bench, she was Deputy Secretary of State at the Rhode Island Department of State from 2015-2017. Justice Long currently chairs the Rhode Island Committee on Racial & Ethnic Fairness in the Courts and is an advisory board member of the National Consortium on Racial & Ethnic Fairness in the Courts.

Justice Long received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and earned her law degree at the George Mason University School of Law. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Marcus D. Williams of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia and thereafter devoted her legal career to public service and public interest law.

A Washington, D.C., native, Justice Long is the daughter of two U.S. Army veterans who married six months before the Supreme Court decided Loving v. Virginia. Justice Long grew up on and near military bases in El Paso, Texas; Alexandria, Virginia; Schweinfurt, Germany; and Seoul, South Korea.

She and her family have resided in Providence since 1999.

Nicole Gomes

founder/cake artist

Nicole Gomes - cake designer & founder of Ninth Cake. What started as a small idea in 2020 of wanting to make a cousin’s birthday cake, has now span to being integral parts of special occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, events & much more.

Nicole (Begnal) Gooding

Infrastructure, Safety, and Reliability (ISR) Manager

Nicole has worked in the utility industry for most of her career, both on the electric and gas sides of the business primarily in project management. She also serves as the President of POWER, an organization within the company that supports the development, attraction, and retention of women in the business. She attended the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate degree, majoring in International Business, Finance and Risk Management and graduated with her MBA from the College of William and Mary. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Rhode Island with her husband and son.

Nina Harrison

policy director

Nina Harrison grew up in Providence and currently resides in Cranston, RI. She attended the Historically Black College, Howard University and majored in English. She graduated from Boston College Law School and went on to work as a public interest attorney for nearly 10 years before becoming the Policy Director at the Economic Progress Institute in 2023. Nina also loves to travel all around the world.

Precious Clouthier

Certified Life Coach

Precious Clouthier, was born in Rhode Island but shaped by her upbringing in the heart of Macon, GA. Resilience is a defining quality in her life's journey. Precious is an accomplished author, who self-published her first book, "Precious Gems: 365 Days of Encouraging Words," in 2023. Beyond her writing, Precious Clouthier wears multiple hats, including that of a loving wife to Evan Clouthier and a dedicated mother to identical twin sons, Maurice and Jamari Clouthier.

As a Certified Life & Performance Coach, she possesses the skills to inspire and uplift, making her a sought-after motivational speaker. Her expertise extends to facilitating goal-setting workshops, benefitting schools, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and people from all around the world.

At the heart of her passion Precious is the CEO & Founder of "Precious G.E.M.S. LLC," an acronym representing her commitment to Generating Entrepreneurs & Motivating Souls.

With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Precious has been invited to share her insights with both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Her mission is clear: to assist individuals worldwide in managing their time effectively, finding clarity in their goals, and crafting a path towards a brighter future.

Renee Gomes

lead peer recovery specialist/Community health work

As a child who was abandoned by her biological mother at a fire station and then spent good portion of my childhood life within the system of care known as dcyf, life was not always kind to me and I faced countless adversities in and out of residential homes, psychiatric hospitals, and not really knowing where I fit into this world. It wasn't until I had children of my own that I realize I had to do more, so I ended up putting myself through trade school and at the time people thought I was crazy because it was a male dominant field, but knowing who I was as a person in the warrior spirit that I've carried since I was young I conquered that fear in the stigma of women being in the trades and I was offered an apprenticeship while still in school at a local HVAC commercial company where I excelled, learned, and grew as an individual a very hands-on experience that was very satisfying as financially it put me in a very good place along with my family. After years in that field I needed to do something more to help others, especially those experiencing the adversities now that I was able to survive so I became a peer recovery specialist as someone in recovery with their own mental health and substance use I wanted to be a lighthouse for others so I pursued my state certification and training to become a peer recovery specialist and community health care worker. Seeing the difference I've made in the lives of families and individuals I then decided to go back to college at the age of 36 and pursued my bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in children and young adolescent mental Health. I will be graduating with my master's degree in 2025 as getting my bachelor's apparently wasn't enough.

The moral of my biography is really you can do anything you set your mind to no matter where you came from and what hand you've been dealt to always believe in yourself when others don't

Roberta Cronan

Registered Nurse

Roberta Cronan, 36 years old. Born & raised in Providence. Mother of 3 year old twins. Graduated RIC in 2017 with a bachelors in Nursing. Worked as a Camp Nurse, pediatric nurse, home health nurse, and now currently as a psych travel nurse.

Rose Albert

Executive Director

Rose Albert (she, her) is the Executive Director of Rhode Island for Community and Justice (RICJ), a non-profit organization based in Providence, RI. With over 15 years of dedicated service to RICJ, she was appointed Executive Director in May 2024. Rose is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and justice within her community. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in her work and has extensive experience collaborating with other organizations.

In addition to her professional achievements, Rose values family, community, and mindfulness. She has been recognized for her contributions and was honored as one of the Leading Women by Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. The Diversity and Inclusion Professionals (DAIP) awarded her the Catalyst for Change award.

Rose’s commitment to her community and her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and just society make her a respected leader in her field.

Sav Hazard-Chaney

Founder/Owner

Savaree “Sav” Hazard-Chaney is a 401-based self taught artist. She explores culture, community and design through a series of mediums that allow her to connect and build. Through her exploration and passion for the art of “rug tufting”, she proudly founded and owns Rhode Island's first Black and Woman-owned rug tufting studio. Her artist-led workshops fuse innovation and tradition, transforming fibers into unique expressions of culture and artistry. With a strong commitment to community Sav hopes her experience and knowledge will help inspire not only the fiber arts community but also other young black entrepreneurs.

Sewon Cole

Hair dresser

My name is Sewun Cole I am a 22 year old hair dresser, I’ve been doing hair for about 4 years I specialize in quick styles for both men & women & aspire to have my own shop I am also a lash technician I am currently working on becoming a nail technician. The reason why I choose the beauty industry is because we all deserve to feel beautiful no matter what walk of life we come from I hope to inspire the next generation of hairdressers to reach there highest potential.

Tanya Oliveira

Licensed social worker

I went back to school at age 32 and obtained a dual degree a BA in Psychology and a BS in Human Development and Family Studies at URI, while working and raising my son. I went on to RIC and obtained my Masters in Social Work. After grad school I sat for the LCSW and passed. I'm currently preparing for the LICSW and work for the state of R.I.

Tatiana Baena

Senior Finance Officer for Data Systems and Analysis/City Councilwoman/Entrepreneur and Owner/Nonprofit Founder

Tatiana Baena was born in Medellín, Colombia, and migrated to the U.S. at the age of 8, settling in Central Falls. She is currently the Senior Finance Officer for Data Systems and Analysis at the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), where she supports schools in developing strategic plans to improve student performance, and oversees fiscal analysis and statewide educational initiatives.

Tatiana is the founder and owner of Better Perspective Consulting, providing services in grant writing, strategic planning, and educational program development for nonprofits and small businesses. She is also serving her second term as a Central Falls City Councilperson and previously worked as the Director of Grants and Federal Programs for the Central Falls School District.

In addition to her public service and consulting work, Tatiana co-owns a multimedia space in Pawtucket, called Booth On Main, dedicated to fostering community collaboration and creativity. She is also the founder of Mundialito, a nonprofit that unites the community through culture and soccer, providing scholarships for student-athletes.

Tatiana holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island.

Traci Adedeji

President & Founder

Traci is the founder and president of Positive Paradigm Group - a firm specializing in insurance education, professional development coaching and leadership training. She made history as the 2024 President & Chair of The Institutes’ CPCU Society by being the first Black woman in the organization’s 80-year history to serve in this role. An underwriter by training, Traci has over 30 years of insurance industry experience with expertise in personal lines and small business underwriting, technical training and talent development.

In addition to her role with the CPCU Society, Traci serves on the board of the Boston chapter of the National African American Insurance Association, and is board president of New England Basecamp, a non-profit organization that provides professional development and support for educators.

She was recently recognized as a 2024 Elite Woman by Insurance Business America magazine. Traci is a native of Newark, NJ, where she attended Rutgers University and currently resides in Attleboro, MA.

Yemi Sekoni

president

Yemi Sekoni, a seasoned leader in the Rhode Island fashion and entertainment community, is a talent booking agent, show producer, and business mentor with over 45 years of experience. Holding an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, she directs Donahue Models & Talent, Rhode Island’s oldest modeling agency.

Yemi is also the founder and executive producer of Rhode Island Fashion Week, dedicated to promoting and supporting the fashion industry in Rhode Island and beyond. She mentors emerging designers through the Small Business Administration's SCORE program. Additionally, she produces and directs RAW Providence, a showcase highlighting local artists and fostering diversity in the entertainment industry.

Yemi's passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication have earned her immense respect and admiration in the fashion and entertainment sector, where she continues to inspire and lead with excellence.