For 36 successful years Fred worked in manufacturing pharmaceutical, fine chemicals and biotechnology-based products as director of manufacturing, chromatography consumables at Waters Corporation, director of clinical production at Biogen and as senior consultant at Arthur D. Little management company. Fred later found his passion for teaching when he learned about the Rhode Island College teacher certificate program. After graduating from RIC, he went on to teach mathematics to seventh and eighth graders in the Warwick Public Schools. His love for teaching and what Rhode Island College provided him evolved into a scholarship – the Professor Helen Salzberg Endowed Scholarship – to assist other first-generation students pursuing their dream in math or math education. He created the scholarship to honor his math professor, Helen Salzberg, for the profound impact she had on his journey returning to school. Fred’s previous education included a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University and an MBA in finance from the University of Connecticut. His contributions to the field of manufacturing include cost reduction, creation of quality systems, human resource policy development and new technology creation. Fred also gives back to Rhode Island College by serving on the Board of Trustees for the Rhode Island College Foundation.

Currently serving as the Clinic Director for Acadia Healthcare, Dayna’s journey into the field started as a Clinical Social Worker for St. Joseph Hospital (SJH) in acute care, trauma and addiction treatment where she helped develop the first perinatal addiction program in Rhode Island. Dayna continued her work as an advocate providing community-based leadership breaking down barriers to care for women, children, and families. Her career has been dedicated to working in programs helping the most underserved populations. As Assistant Program Director of Eastman House, Unit Director of The Kent Center, Vice President for Community Services at Child & Family Services, Vice President for Emergency Services at Pine Street Inn and a consultant for The May Institute, her work assisted in reducing the number of homeless individuals and veterans on the streets of Boston, as well as reducing barriers to care for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, opiate addiction and co-occurring disorders. Dayna has previously served on the Drug & Alcohol Treatment Association, the RI Counsel of Community Mental Health Centers, RI Coalition of Alcohol and Drug Dependent Women & Their Children, Child Welfare Advisory Committee and was elected on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Social Workers. She has also served as an instructor at the Vermont School of Corrections, for the Psychology Department at Rhode Island College and as a speaker at multiple conferences and trainings throughout New England.

Following two years as Rhode Island Postsecondary Commissioner, Brenda has recently returned to the national consulting firm Education Strategy Group as senior advisor. Her passion to give back reflects in her current service on the Board of Trustees for Johnson and Wales, as a board member for the National Skills Coalition and as a board member for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. Brenda worked in the Obama Administration as assistant secretary of career, technical and adult education from 2009-2014. She previously served as a coach for the JPMorgan Chase Career Readiness initiatives, president of Dorcas Place Adult and Family Learning Center and directed two TRIO programs at the Community College of Rhode Island. A nationally recognized leader in her field, Brenda says, “I’ve always viewed education as the great equalizer in our society. My entire career has focused on eliminating whatever obstacles or barriers are in place so that adults and youth who didn’t think postsecondary education was an option for them could achieve it. That’s been my life’s work and it started at Rhode Island College.”

Brittany completed her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, graduating summa cum laude, while balancing student leadership responsibilities, such as resident assistant, student-athlete, graduate of the Emerging Leaders Program and president of the English Educators Network. As a student she was honored with the Alan Chille Student Leadership Award, the Campus Spirit Award, a RIC Alumni Honor Roll Student Scholarship, the DeStefano Fund Award for Undergraduate Research and the Alice Grellner Award for Excellence in Student Teaching. As she began teaching sixth grade at The Lawn School, Brittany began pursuing her master’s degree in education while also serving as an adjunct faculty at RIC for multiple courses. Brittany was instrumental in bringing the Rhode Island Writing Project back to Rhode Island College. She serves as program director for the Advanced Studies of Teaching and Learning graduate program and the Middle Level Education program in the Education Studies Department at RIC. Brittany has published multiple scholarly articles, is currently contributing to a chapter in the book, “Re-forming Literacy Education: History, Effects, Advocacy” and has presented at multiple national conferences.

Dr. McLaughlin’s dedication to the advancement of the Technology Education Program at Rhode Island College has not gone unnoticed by his peers and students alike. Dr. McLaughlin has been working as a professor at Rhode Island College since June 2009. After completing two degrees from Rhode Island College and his PhD in Technology Education from the University of Maryland College Park, Dr. McLaughlin has worked diligently to ensure continuous innovation in his field. He has published 17 scholarly articles, presented at over 18 national conferences, and worked on seven grants to continue his progressive works. He has been a leader in his field and here at Rhode Island College. Charlie was instrumental in the development of the Langevin Center for Design, Innovation, and Advanced Manufacturing and the RI Mobile Maker Lab, which put Rhode Island College on the forefront of the STEM world. He has been a part of the revolution of using 3-D printers and laser scanning to assist in problematic orthopedic cases for bone replacement. He was elected as the President of the Council for Technology and Engineering Teacher Education for three years, served on the Research and Scholarship Committee for the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education, ITEEA Board of Directors, chairperson for the Editorial Board for ITEEA’s Technology and Children, 2nd Vice President for the Technology Educators of Indiana, and was named the Council for Technology and Engineering Teacher of the Year in 2016. He was the Chairperson for the Department of Educational Studies. His service to Rhode Island College is astounding, serving on over 14 committees to further the development of the college and the field of STEM.

Jessica has worked at Rhode Island College for the last 21 years. Originally hired to implement a new financial system for the Purchasing and Accounting Departments to avoid the Y2K computer flaw, Jessica moved into various roles, eventually assuming a leadership role as director of purchasing. Among her responsibilities, Jessica works to ensure that federal funding continues to successfully maintain initiatives such as the Rhode Island College Upward Bound Program. She has championed numerous major projects, including streamlining Purchasing Office operations through online requisitions and approvals. She has been involved with many strategic initiative committees with the State of Rhode Island Department of Administration, the Division of Purchases and the Office of Postsecondary Education. Jessica’s colleagues describe her as “knowledgeable, efficient, effective, dedicated to the mission of Rhode Island College, hardworking and well respected.” Her attention to detail and dedication to ensuring all processes are running proficiently allows for the continued success of her department and the future of the college. Her door is always open and she always assists anyone who needs guidance and understanding of the state procurement regulations.

Marcela earned her degree in political science with a concentration in public administration and a minor in international nonprofit organization studies. From there she jumped into her advocacy work at the Providence Housing Authority and later as director of homeownership and asset building for NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley. Marcela also served as vice president of the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee and Civic Fund, program committee alumni chair for the New Leaders Council, and policy associate for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island. In 2019, Marcela was selected as the new director of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University. The Latinx-led research institute works to show the impact and importance of the Latinx community, ensuring that the public’s understanding and policies reflect the social, economic and civil contributions of the Latinx population of Rhode Island. Marcela has been awarded the Young Leaders SPARK! Award through the United Way of Rhode Island and YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award.

Fun, colorful, unique and locally owned, Rhody Craft is just one of Kim’s many accomplishments. Following a foray in the independent jewelry-making business with LuckyBird Studio, Kim opened Rhody Craft as a seasonal pop-up shop out of her studio, featuring not only her own work, but that of other Rhode Island craftspeople. She created CRAFTOPIA, a thriving, 10-year-old craft show in Pawtucket that showcases locally handmade arts and crafts. Since its founding, Kim has grown Rhody Craft into a thriving brick and mortar establishment on Hope Street, which helps support a cadre of local artists. Through Rhody Craft, Kim has raised more than $5,000 for the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, donating the profits from politically themed merchandise that she designs. Kim’s involvement in the community goes beyond her business, as board member of the Hope Street Merchants Association and, previously, the Summit Neighborhood Association. Kim has been profiled by local media for her blog, Bad Manners Cancer, which chronicled her journey after being diagnosed with stage-three triple-negative breast cancer as a newly single mom. Kim has been called an asset to her community, and a shining example of her liberal arts education preparing her to become an entrepreneur.

Yvette graduated with a double major in Spanish and justice studies, as well as a certificate in nonprofit studies, and continued on to attain a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island. Currently serving as deputy director of external affairs at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Yvette’s responsibilities include leading and managing communications, constituent affairs, legislative affairs, federal partnerships and community partnerships, as well as the Office of Child Support and Office of Rehabilitation Services. Previously Yvette served as health grants program officer at the Rhode Island Foundation, where she oversaw the Rhode Island Education Loan Repayment Program for Primary Care Providers, worked on the Fund for Healthy Rhode Island, was a Rhode Island Health Care Leader, served as a visiting faculty at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and was executive director of the Northern Rhode Island Area Health Education Center. Yvette’s honors include the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award, Community Champion Award by Northern Rhode Island Community Services and the Champion of Nursing Award by the Future of Nursing Rhode Island Action Coalition. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Currently a fourth grade teacher at Agnes Little Elementary School, Ron has been working in the Pawtucket Public Schools for the last 22 years. Ron’s passion and advocacy for students is reflected in his and his peers’ work. A leader in the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance for 18 years, Ron served six years as treasurer and two years as vice president before becoming president, a position he has held for 10 years. He has worked closely with the American Federation of Teachers and the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP) to develop and implement a high-quality teacher evaluation and support system. Most recently, Ron has been the driving force behind a community schools initiative in Pawtucket, partnering with district administration and community partners to bring much needed before, during and after school supports to Pawtucket students; he is currently working with RIFTHP on legislation to further expand the initiative statewide. Ron holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Rhode Island College and a master’s degree in English language learning from Western Governors University. Ron has been honored as Educator of the Year by the Rhode Island Audubon Society and with an Outstanding Service Award by RIFTHP.

Graduating magnum cum laude with a double major in finance and economics, Olalekan completed his degree while maintaining a full-time night-shift job and never missing a class. After earning his master’s degree in business administration from Johnson and Wales in 2011, he started at Citizens Financial Group as trade desk brokerage service specialist in the wealth management department. Rising through the ranks within the industry, Olalekan received multiple promotions, ultimately leading to his current role as vice president, wealth management officer for The Washington Trust Company. Faculty of the School of Business remember Olalekan fondly, and are delighted to see his hard work, dedication and modesty rewarded. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Maria has dedicated her life’s work to social change and public service, advocating for and informing policy related to low-income populations, economic inequality, homelessness, veteran services, health care, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ rights and gender equity. A two-time graduate from Rhode Island College, Maria received her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in social work. Currently Maria is associate director of policy analysis, research and development for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. Previously, Maria served as SNAP outreach coordinator at the University of Rhode Island Feinstein Center for Hunger Free America, coordinator for the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, and as legislator in the Rhode Island General Assembly. She is proud to have been recognized by the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats, Ocean State Action and the National Association of Social Workers Rhode Island Chapter for her efforts to promote social equity and economic security as an elected official. Maria gives back to RIC, serving as adjunct faculty member in the School of Social Work and providing internship opportunities to social work students interested in policy. She serves on the Board of New Urban Arts and lives in Providence with her family.

Valerie serves as nurse director of Clinica Esperanza/Hope Clinic in Providence, which provides health care to uninsured community members as well as linguistically and culturally appropriate medical care for physical and mental health issues. With a passion for community health and serving those in need around her, Valerie is a tireless advocate for her patients, working to manage acute illnesses and chronic diseases on a long-term, integrated basis. Valerie also participates in various community advisory boards and is a member of the American Nurses Association Rhode Island Chapter and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. Valerie was awarded Nurse Leader of the Year at the Rhode Island Nurse Excellence Awards, and she was recognized with the American Nurses Association of Rhode Island Improving Health Award and the Ronald McDonald House Providence Women’s Leadership Award. Valerie has also co-authored seven scholarly publications and presented multiple national conferences for the continued advancement in her field.