YWCA Northern Rhode Island Announces Women of Achievement Award Winners
Women of achievement awards are recognized nationally. They increase awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women.
YWCA Northern Rhode Island is pleased to announce the 2007 Women of Achievement award winners, thirteen local women that improve the lives of children or youth. Awards will be presented in a spectrum of categories.
The four areas of a childs growth are highlighted emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development. Diana Hackney, president and CEO at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island, gives wish children hope and strength to continue fighting their illnesses. Denise Perry, program director of the emergency shelter program at Communities for People, has devoted her professional life to working with adolescent boys. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell is the director of education and training at Urban League of Rhode Island. Her motto, education helps parents and children escape poverty. Judith Earle, executive director at Elizabeth Buffum ChaceCenter, equips parents and children with the knowledge that violence does not have to be their legacy.
Focusing on the family, Karen Davis is the vice president at Hasbro Childrens Fund. She assists children in need worldwide and is a founding member of the Rhode Island Women Ending Hunger program. Lisa Guillette, executive director at Rhode Island Foster Parents Association, provides education and other forms of support to families. Her nominator describes her as the ultimate mother.
Community connections are important as reflected in the adage, it takes a village to raise a child. Hillary Salmons, executive director at Providence After School Alliance, has led the charge to improve the lives of middle school youth in Providence. Elizabeth Burke Bryant, executive director at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, is described as a champion of children. She provides information on childrens issues and promotes action. Elizabeth Colon, director of outreach and training at Childhood Lead Action Project, represents a specific interest expertly. She is totally committed to the cause of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island. Ghislaine Jean-Mahone, is the director and co-producer at Just a Step Productions. She is a performance artist promoting community development, empowerment, and awareness.
The more for girls does not equal less for boys category addresses issues that are unique to girls. Pamela Martin-Mitchell is the service unit manager at Girl Scouts of Rhode Island. She helps introduce girls to the many different fields of science, math, and technologies. Karen Gager, program director at Big Sisters of Rhode Island, is knowledgeable about gender-specific issues and provides this information on both a local and national level.
A helping hands presentation will be made to Maureen Macera, superintendent at the Woonsocket Education Department. She works with YWCA Northern Rhode Island (and other collaborators) on YWCAs Parenting in Progress program, an alternative education program for parenting and pregnant young women. Macera has had a long and distinguished career in education for nearly 40 years.
The public is welcomed to attend this special awards luncheon on Thursday, September 20th from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. It is the 3rd annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon with YWCA Northern Rhode Island as the host. Deb Ruggiero, local radio personality for Amazing Women, is the event emcee. Tickets are $50 and underwriting opportunities are available. For more details, visit www.womenofachievementri.org
or call Lisa Piscatelli at 401-769-7450.
