BOARDS
TRULY, UNITING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BOARD MEMBERS ON OUR MISSION
Paola Fernandez
Board Member
SVP, Community Development Officer, Centreville Bank
"Because United Way is about community first, leveraging its resources and partners to do everything possible to advance justice and guide positive change."
Chris Sabitoni
New England Assistant Regional Manager, Laborers' International Union of North America, New England Regional Office
"The mission of this strategic plan aligns with everything that our Union stands for. As in our motto, Justice, Honor & Strength for all individuals."
Board of Directors
Paola Fernandez (Chair), SVP, Community Development Officer, Centreville Bank
Dolph Johnson, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (Retired), Hasbro, Inc
Gregg Perry, President, The Perry Group
Chris Sabitoni, New England Assistant Regional Manager, Laborers' International Union of North America, New England Regional Office
Barbara Chernow, EVP, Finance & Administration (Retired), Brown University
Ramona Royal, Assistant Vice President and Administrative Officer, DE&I, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Junior Jabbie, President & CEO, Banneker Supply Chain Solutions, Inc
Srini Krishnamurthy, Chief Strategy & Information Officer, FM
Wes Cotter, Director, Corporate Communications, Gilbane, Inc
Joanne Daly, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Rena Sheehan, VP, Clinical Strategy and Implementation, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Suresh Swaminathan, Chief Operating Officer, Teknor Apex Company
Jayne Donegan, Senior Executive Counsel & Assistant Secretary , Textron, Inc
Courtney Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer, City of Providence
Marcela Betancur, Executive Director, Latino Policy Institute
Yahaira "Jay" Placencia, SVP, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America Private Bank
Sean Rogers, Dean, College of Business, University of Rhode Island
Kate Kishfy, Founder, Sylvia & Kishfy LLC
Cortney Nicolato, President & CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
Carolyn Belisle, VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
Paige Parks, Executive Director, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Sarah Latham, EVP, Finance & Administration, Brown University
Charles "Chachi" Carvalho, Chief Equity Officer, City of Pawtucket
Michelle Carr, Executive Director, Leadership Rhode Island
Community Advisory Board
Rena Sheehan (Co-Chair), VP Clinical Stategy and Implementation, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Yahaira "Jay" Placencia (Co-Chair), SVP, Private Client Advisor, Bank of America Private Bank
Jillian Balzano, AVP, Community & Public Relations, The Washington Trust Company
Denise Barge, Principal, Barge & Associates, LLC
Sandra Cano, New England Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Liz Catucci, President & CEO, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Crowley, President, Rhode Island AFL-CIO
Rilwan Feyisitan, President & CEO, Eastbay Community Action Program
Lisa Guillette, Executive Director, Foster Forward
Robert Hughes, CEO (Retired), Missouri Foundation for Health
Linda Lulli, Strategic HR Executive (Retired), Self-employed
Kelly Nevins, CEO, Women's Fund of Rhode Island
Ray Nuñez, Co-Founder, The People's Agency
Dorca Paulino- Smalley, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, University of Rhode Island
Kelly Ramirez, Director, Ryan Incubator, Providence College
Lisa Ranglin, President & CEO, RIBBA- Rhode Island Black Business Association
JJ Silvia
Kerci Marcello Stroug, Executive Vice President & Education Practice Partner, The Perry Group
Edward Tavarez
Juan Wilson, CEO & Founder, The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island, Inc
Kasim Yarn, Director of the RI Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Affairs for Rhode Island
Nina Pande, Executive Director, Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Diana Capellan, Operations Manager, The Capellan Group
Frank Flynn
Weayonnoh Nelson Davies, Executive Director, Economic Progress Institute
Melissa Sanzaro, Executive Director, Providence Housing Authority
Mary Jo Callan, Vice President for Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Swearer Center for Public Service, Brown University
Iain Bamford, Principal, Deloitte Consulting
Rev. Patrick Faulhaber, Senior Pastor, Central Congregational Church
Jennifer Hawkins, Founder, Farnum Associates, LLC
Omar Reyes, Director of Adult Programs and Student Success, Rhode island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
Helena Moronta, First Vice President Community Development, Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer, BayCoast Bank
Statement from United Way of Rhode Island on the Election of Senate President Valarie Lawson
United Way of Rhode Island congratulates Senator Valarie Lawson on her election as Senate President. As an educator, labor leader, and dedicated public servant, President Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to equity, opportunity, and community engagement.
United Way to Release RFP Friday for “United Is The Way” Safety Net Grants for Nonprofits Providing Critical Services to Rhode Islanders
With a priority to expand support for nonprofits and families amid growing federal uncertainty, United Way of Rhode Island is set to release a request for proposals (RFP) on Friday for new safety net grants through its “United Is The Way” initiative. (more…)
United Way: 211, Point programs save R.I. $1.2M in reduced nonemergency 911 calls
United Way of Rhode Island Inc.’s 211 and Point programs significantly reduced the state’s financial burden on nonemergency calls to 911 and to other state agencies in 2024, the organization said on Feb. 11 at the Statehouse. (more…)
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office on Warwick Campus
Warwick, RI – [April 28, 2025] – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a satellite 211 office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
United Way Accelerates $1.5 Million in Grant Payments to Support Rhode Island Nonprofits Amid Funding Uncertainty
Recognizing the urgency of the financial strain facing local nonprofits, United Way of Rhode Island is taking a major step to provide timely critical support to its funded partners. The organization has released more than $1.5 million in grant payments nearly three months ahead of schedule, delivering early disbursements to 41 nonprofits across the state.
United Way Hosts 13th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Speaker Series: Leanne Barrett from RI Kids Count
Wednesday, May 21th
Join us for an insightful event dedicated to the critical issue of child care and how to effectively advocate for accessible, affordable solutions. This series will feature experts, policymakers, and community leaders who will provide practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or advocate, this series will empower you with the knowledge and skills to support better child care policies and resources for all families. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact!
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383138
Day of Action 2025
Day of Action is a worldwide United Way event, offering volunteer opportunities focused on the work of local United Way organizations. In Rhode Island, the Day of Action will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM - 1 PM to sort, label, and prepare the books for distribution to children in summer learning and afterschool programs.
To register, please click here: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3135383931