Leadership Rhode Island

05/22/2026

Another meaningful evening around the table. ✨

Leadership Rhode Island welcomed alumni from across sectors and generations for our latest Bread & Salt Dinner at the University Club in Providence.

Bread & Salt Dinners are designed to create space for thoughtful conversation, reflection, and connection in a smaller and more intentional setting. Through shared stories and honest dialogue, these evenings remind us of the value of listening, vulnerability, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and engaging conversation around this year’s theme, “Hope: Our Response-Ability.”

05/20/2026

Last week, the Senior Fellows dove more deeply into understanding the landscape of healthy aging and started to see areas where older adult voices are being considered or should be considered.

Through conversation and shared experiences, Fellows discussed:

-What volunteers gain from serving

-Where Rhode Island communities need support most

-How to find a volunteer role that aligns with your values and strengths

-Ways to begin serving safely, sustainably, and meaningfully

One of the biggest takeaways from the week: small, steady actions can strengthen an entire community. We are proud to see our Fellows continuing to lead through service, connection, and civic engagement.

Special thank you to our guests for the insightful Lightning Chats on Health, Autonomy, & Transportation.

Cathy Andreozzi, TORI LYNN ANDREOZZI FOUNDATION
Christopher Durand, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
Amanda Cantrell (CLRI 2009), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM
CJ Paliotta (2025 Propel), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM

05/19/2026

We’re excited to recognize our committed sponsors supporting the 2026 Leadership Rhode Island Golf Classic. Thank you!

There’s still time to join us on Monday, August 3 at Wannamoisett Country Club. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals and organizations looking to connect with leaders from across Rhode Island while supporting LRI’s mission to invest in people and strengthen leadership across sectors.

Register Here: https://support.leadershipri.org/event/2026-lri-golf-classic/e742794

2026 Golf Classic Sponsors:
Barbara Papitto
Amica
H. Carr & Sons
Greenwood Credit Union
Somerset FCU
Westerly CU
Coastal1 CU
Ocean State Credit Union
Falvey Insurance
Lawson
Delta Dental
Navigant Credit Union
Dimeo
Sweeney
Bank of America
Eastern Bank

05/12/2026

Last Tuesday marked Week 2 of Senior Fellows, centered on exploring:

💭 What does it mean to create an Age-Friendly Community?

Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about life experiences and aging, health and well-being, social connection, housing and environment, and purpose and identity — all essential to building communities where people of all ages can thrive.

Thank you to our special guests for sharing insights on Rhode Island’s healthy aging landscape:

-Caroline Dillon, The Village Common of Rhode Island
-James Connell, Age-Friendly Rhode Island
-Meghan Grady, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Chairperson of the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Commission

04/28/2026

Learning and leadership exist at every stage of life. Honored to kick off the Leadership Rhode Island 2026 Senior Fellows cohort!

This year’s theme, “HOPE: Our Response-Ability,” invites us to explore how each of us can actively shape a future where all Rhode Islanders—especially older adults—are meaningfully engaged, supported, and empowered.

How we thrive as we all age depends on how well our communities honor and activate the talents, wisdom, and lived experiences of older adults today. Creating those environments is a shared responsibility—and one that spans generations.

Through this journey our 2026 Senior Fellows will deepen their passions and engage in civic commitments with community partners. Throughout, they will continue building connection, wellbeing, and purpose.

Grateful to our partners, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Age Friendly RI, for making this program possible. 💙

04/24/2026

The end of April marked another exciting Government Day for the Core Program! Thank you to Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore for welcoming the Chi II class to the House Chamber and kicking off their mock session. The day featured mock caucuses and committee hearings, with insightful testimony from an outstanding group of guest speakers.

🌟A big shout-out to the class elected Speaker of the House, Nora Crowley, who led the cohort in an engaging floor debate. Others may disagree, but this group had total consensus on their final debate of the day: "Is the Chi II Class the Best Class Ever?"

House Parliamentarian: Michael Egan

Mock Testifiers: Karen Alzate, Shayna Fox-Norwitz, Matt Netto, Michael DiBiase, Ishaa Gadkari, MPH.

04/10/2026

Chi II Education Day began with school visits across the state and concluded with a gathering at the Community College of Rhode Island. 💭

Participants spent time in schools observing learning environments and engaging with educators, staff, and students to gain a deeper understanding of Rhode Island’s education system in action.

Thank you our hosts and guest for sharing their insight and expertise: Marianne Raimondo, Shayna Fox-Norwitz, Ed.D., Victor Capellan, Andy MacMannis, and Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green.

04/10/2026

Tune in for a Civity Champions conversation and connect with a growing community of practice focused on strengthening civic connection and building more collaborative communities.

Featuring Michelle Carr (2014 Kappa II), CEO & Executive Director of Leadership Rhode Island, as April’s Civity Champion. 🌟

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026
🕘 9–10 AM PT | 11 AM–12 PM CT | 12–1 PM ET
Sign up at the QR code or go to civity.org/events

Join us for our first quarterly Civity Champions event!

Tune into this new quarterly opportunity to hear from some Civity Champions and interact with other people in our community of practice. Be inspired and meet fellow travelers!

Events are scheduled on:
* Friday, April 24, 2026: 9-10a PT/11a-12 noon CT/12 noon-1p ET
* Thursday, July 23, 2026: 4-5p PT/6-7p CT/7-8 ET
* Saturday, October 17, 2026: 10-11a PT/12 noon-1pm CT/1-2p ET
* Tuesday, January 19, 2027: 8-9a PT/10-11a CT/11a – 12 noon ET

(All of the above are free of charge)

*April’s Civity Champion is Michelle Carr, CEO & Executive Director of Leadership Rhode Island!

Sign up at the QR code or go to civity.org/events