Equity Leadership Initiative 2023/2024 cohort members
We are pleased to present the Equity Leadership Initiative (ELI) class of 2023/2024. This program helps build a pipeline of future leaders of color in established positions of influence throughout the state.
Traci Adedeji
Traci Adedeji of East Providence is the President of Positive Paradigm Group, LLC. As a volunteer leader, Traci is the 2024 President and Chair of The Institutes' CPCU Society, serves on the board of the Boston chapter of the National African-American Insurance Association, and is interim board chair of New England Basecamp. A native of Newark, N.J., Traci attended Rutgers University and holds several insurance designations and certifications.
“Equity-driven leadership is leadership in action. It looks like advocating for people who are different than you are and whose voices may not be heard. It feels like compassion and authentic caring, and sounds like confident, fearless articulation of ideas, even if they are unpopular. There is an innate selflessness in equity-driven leadership that seeks to lift others. As a community, we are only as strong as the weakest among us,” said Adedeji.
Robert Britto-Oliveira
Robert Britto-Oliveira is Assistant Director of the University of Rhode Island’s Multicultural Student Services Center. The East Providence resident earned a B.A. in History, a B.S. in Secondary Education, an M.S in College Student Personnel at URI. In addition, he is co-chair of the URI Alumni of Color Network and the advisor for Brothers On a New Direction at URI.
“Equity-driven leadership is more than just a statement affiliated with the diversity-based initiatives written on an organization’s website. It looks and feels like a lived practice that incorporates the holistic well-being of the people while nurturing their lived experiences on a consistent basis,” he said. “I was born and raised in the Fox Point section of Providence and my communal upbringing in the old-Fox Point is something that I take great pride in.”
Charles "Chachi" Carvalho
Charles "Chachi" Carvalho of Pawtucket is Chief Equity Officer for the city of Pawtucket. He also coaches football at Shea High School and previously served as Shea’s School Culture and Community Engagement Coordinator. He attended Boston College and the University of Rhode Island, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Community Studies at Charter Oak State College through the College Unbound Program.
“While working at Shea, I was able to lead the initiatives to help amplify student and parent voices and presence within the school and in the community. I was able to create new programs that were student led and transformative. I was able to help create pathways for parents to feel welcomed to serve, to contribute ideas, to express concerns and to offer solutions to the problems that students face on a daily basis,” said Carvalho. “I love to empower others to define their desired future selves. In my new role as the first Chief Equity Officer for the city of Pawtucket, I will try my best to identify needs within the communities I serve and to work collaboratively with others to provide creative solutions to meet those needs.”
Minna Choi
Minna Choi of Providence is the Fellowship Program Director and a Resident Musician at Community MusicWorks, a nonprofit music education and performance organization. She earned a B.A. in Ethics and Political Philosophy at Brown University and a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the Hartt School of Music. In addition to performing at Community MusicWorks, Choi has performed with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and with the Borromeo, Turtle Island, and St. Lawrence String Quartets.
“Equity-driven leadership to me means developing a deep understanding of the systemic inequities inherent in the contexts of our lives and work, and based on that understanding, making continued efforts to change practices on all levels,” said Choi.
Justina Crawford
Justina Crawford of Warwick is the Innovation Manager at Children’s Friend and works in partnership with agency staff to administer grant-funded programs benefitting children and families. She earned a B.S.E. in Music Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in Arts Administration at Drexel University.
“Equity-driven leadership in action is deeply rooted in understanding, sharing, and believing in the ‘why.’ The ‘why’ forges and affirms pathways to connect, reflect and weave together multiple voices in response to difference and othering. This type of leadership calls for patience and grace as one or many may be required to explore new valleys, peaks, and waters that will not be fully realized or even navigated in one’s lifetime. There must be conviction to start, test, fail and re-try repeatedly,” said Crawford.
Monique Dawes
Monique Dawes of Providence is an occupational therapist specializing in supporting the health and well-being of the spinal cord injury community, including through her volunteer work with Empower Spinal Cord Injury. She is an Assistant Professor in Johnson & Wales University's Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program. At JWU, she serves on the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee, as a member of the Inclusion Diversity & Equity Action Group, as a faculty advisor to the Black Student Alliance and as a faulty liaison for campus chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity. She earned a B.S., an M.S. and an OTD in Occupational Therapy at Boston University.
“Someone who demonstrates equitable leadership helps to remove discriminatory systemic structures and increases resource access to level out the playing field. Leaders foster other people’s growth and help individuals establish their identity. Leaders do this through active listening and empower other's voices to be authentically heard,” Dawes said.
Jonathan De Jesus
Jonathan De Jesus of Pawtucket is a Community Policy Advocate at Progreso Latino and also oversees the organization’s Adult Social Action Committee. Previously, he was an Assistant Community Coordinator at WINN Residential and a Mentor with City Year. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications at the University of Rhode Island.
“Leaders who are serious about equity and who are looking to make a difference need to be passionate in the role they play. This entails a list of components such as one's commitment. Once they start to address issues of race and social injustice, then they will all be seen as role models in their community,” he said.
Doris De Los Santos
Doris De Los Santos of Providence is Supplier Diversity Director for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Previously, she was director of the Center for Women & Enterprise’s RI Women’s Business Center, Chief of Staff for the Providence City Council, Executive Director of Development & Partnerships for the Providence Public Schools, and coordinator of the Office of Healthy Homes of the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission. De Los Santos earned a master’s degree in community development at Roger Williams University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Pedro Henriquez Ureña University in the Dominican Republic, and an associate’s degree in General Studies at the Community College of Rhode Island.
“It can be a tough proposition for companies or leaders who do not have an equity-driven vision. However, it's imperative, now more than ever, that we build a society that is inclusive. Where people, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual preference or abilities, feel valued and empowered to reach their God-given potential,” she said.
Cherai DiMeo
Cherai DiMeo of Providence is the Stewardship and Development Donor Database Manager at the Unitarian Universalist Association. Previously, she was a consultant for the Rhode Island Foundation's Community Organization Capacity Building Program and Annual Giving Manager at Sophia Academy. DiMeo earned an M.S. in Data Analytics at Providence College and a B.A. in English Language and Literature at Rutgers University.
“Equity-driven leadership feels energetic and warm, where each team member knows that their contribution to the mission is deep and worthwhile. The volume of equity-driven leadership ebbs and flows. At times, there's chatter because ideas are moving quickly between leaders, thought leaders and coworkers. Other times, it's the low hum of deep work. Equity-driven leaders cultivate an honest and open ebb and flow,” DiMeo said.
Michelle Fontes
Michelle Fontes of Warwick is the Assistant Vice President, Office of Community, Equity and Diversity, at the University of Rhode Island. Previously, she was Assistant Dean, Diversity, Retention and Student Success Initiatives, at the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs at URI. She earned a B.A. in Communications and an M.A. in Adult Education at URI.
“Equity-driven leaders want to make sure that they create a safe and confidential space, cares to make sure that people are heard, listens to their perspectives despite their differences, and communicates with integrity and honesty-even when it is difficult or challenging. It is also constant advocacy for those that may not be able to have a voice for themselves,” Fontes said.
Yanaiza Gallant
Yanaiza Gallant of Cranston is the Multilingual Learner Director for East Providence Schools. Previously, she was appointed as the Transformation Principal at the Orlo Avenue Elementary School in East Providence. At Rhode Island College, Gallant earned a Bachelor of Social Work, a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M. Ed in Reading. She completed her Administrative Certification through the New York City Leadership Academy.
“Equity-driven leaders prioritize inclusion and strive to create a sense of belonging and voice specifically for traditionally marginalized populations. You are able to see them actively seeking out and incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences to inform decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, equity-driven leaders recognize the systemic barriers that exist within their organization, call them out and work tirelessly to dismantle them,” Gallant said.
Sara Gilkenson
Sara Gilkenson of Pawtucket is the Diversity Director for the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Previously, she was Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising, Student Services, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the School of Business at Providence College and Coordinator of the Access+ Program at the Community College of R.I. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration at Bryant University as well as an M.A. in Justice Studies at Rhode Island College. Gilkenson co-chairs the College Leadership Rhode Island Class of 2023 and serves on the board the Rhode Island Black Business Association and as DEI Officer for the Rhode Island Queer Community Project.
“Equity-driven leadership is finding balance. It is working together and valuing different perspectives and beliefs and allowing these differences to come together to make something with a greater purpose. It is providing access and resources that will drive equal opportunity,” Gilkenson said.
Deborah Gonzalez
Deborah Gonzalez of East Providence is an Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Clinic at Roger Williams University as well as a partner with Gonzalez Law Offices. She earned a B.S. in Justice Studies and a J.D. at Roger Williams University.
“An equity driven leader is one who understands that the inequity exists even though there may be policies that appear equitable. An agent for change is one that recognizes the inequity, speaks out against it to those who have power to make change and/or acts so that change can happen,” Gonzalez said.
Emily Gonzalez
Emily Gonzalez of Providence is Associate Director for the Center for Orientation, Transitions, & Leadership at Providence College. Previously, she was Program Director at College Visions. Gonzalez earned a B.A. in Education - Human Development at Brown University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education at Providence College. She serves on the board of New Urban Arts.
“Equity-driven leaders spend time cultivating a deep understanding of their own biases and construct counternarratives so that they can create sustainable and transformative equity-based practices. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to grow and build further in community with my fellow ELI cohort,” Gonzalez said.
Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez
Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez of Providence is a Job Captain at DBVW Architects. He cofounded Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design and volunteers as a mentor with the ACE Mentor Program of Rhode Island. Valcarcel Gonzalez earned a Master of Architecture and a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation at Roger Williams University and a Master of Interior Architecture at Florida International University.
“Equity work is not accomplished by a single person on their own; but rather as individuals share their experience with at least one other person, it spreads like branches on a tree. Equity driven leadership is most visible during moments of misunderstanding. It's when someone sees or hears something out of place and they are not able to just let ignorance be ignorance. They try their best to educate through discussion in an effort to broaden the other person's perspective. It is those who are not afraid to ask questions or respond to give their perspectives in the room when no one else will,” he said.
Shikenya Gough
Shikenya Gough of North Providence is an IT Product Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Previously, she was a Senior Business Process Improvement Analysis and a QA Test Manager at BCBSRI. Gough earned a Certified Product Manager designation from the Pragmatic Institute.
“Equity-driven leadership looks and feels like community. It's creating the conditions and culture that allow for all voices to be heard, accounted for and valued. It's having leaders that look like me but also allies that recognize the need for change and work towards continued fair and just conditions across all levels,” Gough said.
Nina Harrison
Nina Harrison is Policy Director at the Economic Progress Institute. Previously, she was a Racial Justice Fellow at Community Legal Aid in Massachusetts and a staff attorney at R.I. Legal Services. Harrison grew up in Providence and earned a B.A. in English at Howard University and a J.D. at Boston College School of Law.
“I believe Equity-driven leadership should center people’s needs and humanity. It should be transparent, honest, respectful, and demonstrate deep understanding about the past and present conditions of historically disadvantaged groups. Equity-driven leadership should be bold and accountable to the communities and coalitions they serve,” Harrison said.
Alexander Jimenez
Alexander Jimenez of Cranston is the founder and president of Fruitful Thoughts, which provides community engagement services and digital marketing services to socially responsible businesses and nonprofits. Previously, he was an executive staff assistant for communications and community engagements with the state Department of Education.
“An equity-driven leader understands that to truly support people you must meet them where they are. In addition, these servant-leaders use their positions of power, privilege and influence to impact the lives of others or a community positively. They’re also committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive,” Jimenez said.
Gloria Johnson
Gloria Johnson of Providence is an Assistant Director of Loan Servicing at Rhode Island Housing, where she was recently promoted from Risk Manager. Previously, she was a Risk Analyst and a Consumer Lending Operations Manager with Santander Bank. Johnson is a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island and serves on the Community Advisory Board of the Swearer Center at Brown University, the board of YouthBuild Preparatory Academy and the board of Community Action Partnership of Providence.
“Equity-driven leadership requires all parties, particularly leaders, to be out of their comfort zone. Knowing how to center others without your own known, and unknown, prejudices takes a long time to learn. And when you are doing it, you should feel some level of discomfort and then a new level of understanding,” Johnson said.
Jamil Jorge
Jamil Jorge of Warwick is ArtsCorp Manager and HR Specialist at Brown University's Brown Arts Institute and is the founder and board president of the Performing Arts Initiative for Students of Color. He earned a B.A. in Music at Connecticut College, an M.A. and a Ph.D in Ethnomusicology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“Equitable leadership feels inspiring. Under equitable leadership, people feel like they belong. They know they are in an environment built for everyone to be heard and to have the agency and trust to do their parts effectively. And that is because an equitable leader constantly learns, listens attentively to others, values their team, can see the big picture and knows how to create the right environment for everyone around them to succeed,” Jorge said.
Stephen Larbi
Stephen Larbi of Pawtucket is director of youth and education at Federal Hill House and volunteers as director of the Pawtucket Youth Commission. Larbi earned a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Rhode Island and an M.A. in Public Administration at Baruch College.
“Equity-driven leadership is intentionally inclusive and supportive. It requires leaders to first recognize their privileges and biases in the context of the country and community in which they work. The ability to do so is imperative as our background and experiences shape our perspectives. Leaders must continually educate oneself on social justice issues with an intersectionality and equity lens,” he said.
Anthony Mam
Anthony Mam of Cranston is a College Success Coach at Onward We Learn. Previously, he was Assistant Director for First-year and Sophomore Programs at the Brown University Center for Students of Color. He earned a B.S. in Actuarial Mathematics at Bryant University and an M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island.
“Equity-driven leadership is when people feel welcomed, accepted and their worth is recognized. When an individual comes into a new environment, they should feel like they can be their authentic self without judgment and without criticism,” Mam said.
Helena Moronta
Helena Moronta of Cranston is the First Vice President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at BayCoast Bank. She serves on the boards of Project Goal and The Learning Community. Moronta studied Finance at the University of Rhode Island.
“Your title is your platform to facilitate your purpose and to shine through with your character,” Moronta said.
Sharon Morris
Sharon Morris of Cranston is Executive Director of Omni Development Corporation, a not-for-profit community development corporation that builds and develops affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. She serves on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, the Board of Trustees of YouthBuild Preparatory Academy and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council. She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She earned a B.A. at Livingstone College and an M.A. at the University of Rhode Island.
"Equity-driven leadership requires intentional investment in our younger generations. Leaders must create succession plans that provide opportunities for emerging leaders to acquire both the personal and interpersonal skills necessary to be a community change agent," Morris said.
Crystal Peralta
Crystal Peralta of Providence is an associate attorney with Robinson+Cole. She serves on the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Board of Directors of the Women’s Resource Center. Peralta earned a B.S. in Government and Philosophy at Suffolk University and a J.D. at the Roger Williams University School of Law.
“Equity-driven leadership looks, feels and sounds like creating an environment where diverse professionals feel seen, included, valued, and as though they belong. It is recognizing that the voices, opinions, contributions and presence of diverse persons and professionals matter,” she said.
Mariel Phillip
Mariel Phillip of Providence is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician and the owner of Heart Chiropractic and Wellness. She is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Black Chiropractic Association. Dr. Phillip earned a B.S. in Biology at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Doctorate at the University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College.
“Equity-driven leaders are consistent in what they do, how they show up, and in the people and things they invest in. They are confident in the changes they want to see and most likely work in the area that will nourish the leadership skills that are evolving in them as they flourish. They are also versed in the current standings of what they are passionate about and know what the next steps would be to make the change, while having a team of like-minded individuals to manifest the development,” she said.
Sarnya Kunchithapatham Pichaiyappa
Sarnya Kunchithapatham Pichaiyappa of Woonsocket is a School Based Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Trainer with Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI). Before entering school-based programs, she worked with FSRI’s home-based programs, where she provided pediatric trauma treatment. She earned a B.S. in Engineering at Anna University, India, and a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Violence against Women and Children, at Rutgers University.
"Through the Equity Leadership Initiative, I am hoping to hone my leadership skills and learn how to work on modifying workplace culture, policies and programs to help everybody get what they need to be successful. I feel incredibly proud and grateful to have gotten into this prestigious program and I am looking forward to connecting with like-minded people who strive towards equity and social justice," she said.
Carolina Roberts-Santana
Carolina Roberts-Santana of Providence is Director of Pediatric Research Administration at Women & Infants Hospital. She serves on the Providence School Board and is a health science instructor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (MCPHS). Roberts-Santana earned an undergraduate Doctor in Medicine at the Universidad Central del Este, a Master of Health Administration at Saint Joseph’s University and a doctorate in Health Science at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science.
“The equity-driven leader empowers all to have the same voice at the table. They get to know their team and they value their diverse backgrounds. This type of leader also leverages the skills of the team to unify it as one voice. This type of leader listens carefully for what is not being said by the team members and brings it out to the surface for honest discussion. The equity-driven leader doesn’t only invite you to the table, but proves that you are one of the legs needed to hold the table up,” Roberts-Santana said.
Ineida Lopes Rocha
Ineida Lopes Rocha of Pawtucket is a Health Equity Coordinator in the Office of Immunization at the state Department of Health. Previously, she led the Covid-19 Crisis Response team at the R.I. Cape Verdean Coalition and was a multilingual homeownership counselor at the West Elmwood Development Corporation, where she developed and taught courses in Portuguese, Spanish and Cape Verdean Creole. Rocha earned a B.S. in Professional Leadership Studies at the University of Rhode Island. She is a native of the Cape Verde Islands and immigrated to the United States when she was 21.
“Equity-driven leadership in action is driven by power-sharing, humility and a willingness to listen and to engage in genuine follow-through in community, with community, by community. I know when I'm in an equity-driven space when every voice is equally represented at tables where decisions are made. Equity-driven looks like a reflection of the communities it is serving,” she said.
Janie Segui Rodriguez
Janie Segui Rodriguez of Warwick is founder and President of Stop the Wait RI. She previously was the Expeditions and Enrichment Operations Associate of a tri-state program at Achievement First and a Bilingual Community Liaison at Times 2 STEM Academy. Segui Rodriguez earned a B.A. in General Studies at Charter Oak State University and a M.A. in Community Development at Roger Williams University.
“Equity driven leaders seek out new perspectives and ideas, and they are willing to change course when they realize they've made a mistake. There is a sense of urgency to the work because we know that real people are impacted by these inequities, and we must do our best to dismantle them! Equity-driven leaders are results-oriented and are focused on creating real, measurable change. They are willing to take risks and try new approaches in order to achieve their goals,” she said.
Felicia Salinas-Moniz
Felicia Salinas-Moniz of East Providence is Director of the Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender at Brown University. Previously, she was a lecturer in the Department of History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences at the Rhode Island School of Design and was Director of the Women’s Resource Center at the University of California, Riverside. Salinas-Moniz earned a B.A. in Creative Arts at San Jose State University and an M.A. and a Ph.D in American Studies at Brown University and is a Master of Library Science and Information Studies candidate at the University of Rhode Island.
“Equity-driven leaders take the time to get to know the people they work with, to see the strengths that individuals bring to a team and to guide areas for growth in an affirmative manner that allows people to make mistakes and learn from them. They are collaborative and creative, receptive to feedback and operate with both mind and heart,” Salinas-Moniz said.
Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith of Providence is Director of Marketing and Communications at Grads for Life, an initiative of Year Up that works with employers to develop and implement best talent and DEI practices across corporate America. Prior to joining Grads of Life, he spent three years in South Korea focusing on international education and English as second language (ESL) instruction with the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education. He serves on the Board of Directors for Riverzedge Arts in Woonsocket as Secretary and volunteers as a coach and mentor at Year Up Providence. Smith earned an MBA at Syracuse University and a B.S. in Marketing at DePaul University.
“I couldn't be more excited to join a group of diverse leaders passionate about promoting racial and economic opportunity in Rhode Island. I believe our collective efforts through our careers and personal endeavors will continue to shape a stronger and more equitable future,” Smith said.
Bernadette Tavares
Bernadette Tavares of Providence is Director of Career Pathways at Foster Forward. Tavares is a graduate of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice CORE Leadership Program. She serves on the state Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board. In addition, she serves on the boards of the Mount Hope Community Center and the Ocean State Employment Support Network. Tavares earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Journalism at the University of Rhode Island.
“Equity-driven leadership is done successfully when it centers around the voices of those being most affected by the challenges and resources being provided. Equity-driven leadership in action puts the ‘client’ in the driver's seat. Equity-driven leadership creates community and feels and looks like a partnership between leadership and community. It ensures that solutions and services aren't created without the very folks who are intended to benefit from them,” she said. “As an experienced nonprofit professional with a program development and child welfare background. I work to continue to enhance the field of youth workforce development; supporting young people who have been impacted by foster care in achieving vocational and educational success.”
Ralph Tavares Jr.
Ralph Tavares Jr. of Tiverton is Vice President, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, at Storbeck Search | Diversified Search Group. He is a past president of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals and a past president of the New England Consortium Bridging Access to College. Tavares earned a B.A. in English at Providence College and an MBA at Salve Regina University.
“Equity leadership is not a one-size-fits-all prescription. Equity leadership is not a one-and-done. Equity leadership is not a destination, but a journey. Equity leadership is not just a mission statement, but an action plan. Equity-driven leadership is a way of thinking and acting that is focused on creating a more just and equitable world. Equity-driven leadership is a journey of constant learning, growing, thinking, strategizing and executing,” Tavares said.
Simone Tubman
Simone Tubman, of Providence, is the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Diversity and Compliance at Providence College. She is a licensed attorney in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and is a certified Civil Rights Investigator and Title IX Coordinator. Tubman earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology at Providence College and her J.D. at The Northeastern University School of Law.
“Equitable leadership is characterized by psychological safety, where individuals are free to express themselves without fear of retribution. This creates an environment where people can articulate their needs and challenge cultural norms that hinder social justice, access and inclusivity. This kind of leadership allows for difficult conversations to take place, leading to a deeper understanding of equitable practices and inclusive education,” Tubman said.
Joana Yeboah
Joana Yeboah of Pawtucket is a Community Care Coordinator at Neighborhood Health Plan of R.I. She serves on the board of Higher Ground International and is a member of the Steering Committee of the Pawtucket and Central Falls Health Equity Zone. Yeboah earned a Master of Public Health at Walden University.
“A leader in action is characterized by values such as inclusiveness, respect, approachability, the skill to listen and learn to drive change. This type of leadership is bold and confident to take necessary steps to reverse any form of inequities or privilege equations. This leadership encourages and motivates the underrepresented talents to be on the forefront to help believe in themselves and develop their interpersonal, leadership and communication skills,” Yeboah said.