magazine she Shines · Dr. Day Care The Economic Progress Institute The Law Offices of Susan Gershkoff Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation Opportunities Unlimited smile

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celebrating the aspirations and accomplishments of womenF A L L 2 0 1 5 F R E E

magazine

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published by YWCA Rhode Island volume 11, number 1 www.sheshines.org

Women of Achievementacross industry, culture and public service

Cheryl AlbrightCarlene Casciano-McCann

Deborah DeBareCarmen Diaz-JusinoAleatha M. Dickerson

Rebeca Filomeno-NasonLaurie Ludovici

Catalina MartinezSabina Matos

Edna O'Neill MattsonKathryn QuinaKim A. Ripoli

Charon L. Rose

Organization of the YearRebuilding Together Providence and

volunteers from Honeywell Hometown Solutions

contents. share it3 awards presentation

11th Annual Awards Ceremony

9 women of achievementAleatha M. DickersonSabina MatosEdna O’Neill MattsonRebeca Filomeno-NasonCatalina MartinezLaurie LudoviciKathryn QuinaKim A. RipoliCharon L. RoseCarlene Casciano-McCannCarmen Diaz-JusinoDeborah DeBareCheryl Albright

22 organization of the yearRebuilding Together Providence and volunteers from Honeywell Hometown Solutions

23 fantastic girltastic code company™Special Insert: YWCA Rhode Island

fall 2015 sheshines.org2 Shinesshe

YWCA highlights achievementCongratulations to the 2015 Women of Achievementaward winners. All of these women have amazing storiesand are contributing to Rhode Island in ways that will befelt for generations to come.

Nominated by their peers, winners include a healthworker, political leaders, educators, police and militaryofficials, non–profit leaders, government officials, and aperformer.

We asked each of these women the questions “Howdo we build resilient girls?” and “How do you buildresiliency in your own life?” Many mentioned the needto provide a strong foundation for girls when they areyoung by consciously focusing on building self-esteemin all of our interactions, knowing that in doing so wecan help them realize their full potential.

Their advice is wise and should be taken to heart.And as award winner Rebeca Filomeno-Nason says, “. . .it is always easier to rise when you have a helping handto pull you up.”

Congratulations to Cheryl Albright, CarleneCasciano-McCann, Deborah DeBare, Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Aleatha M. Dickerson, Rebeca Filomeno-Nason,Laurie Ludovici, Catalina Martinez, Sabina Matos, EdnaO'Neill Mattson, Kathryn Quina, Kim A. Ripoli, CharonL. Rose and Jane C. Eskelund.

Very truly yours,

DeborahDeborah L. Perry, President/Chief Executive OfficerYWCA Rhode Island

YWCA Rhode Island is dedicated toeliminating racism, empoweringwomen and promoting peace, justice,freedom and dignity for all.

volume 11, number 1

celebrating the aspirations and accomplishments of women

published by YWCA Rhode Island

publisherDeborah L. Perry

editorLisa Piscatelli

fall edition coordinatorMeghan Grady

website administratorMeaghan Lamarre

contributors:

writersAleatha M. Dickerson, Sabina Matos,

Edna O’Neill Mattson, Rebeca Filomeno-Nason,Catalina Martinez, Laurie Ludovici, Kathryn Quina,

Kim A. Ripoli, Charon L. Rose,Carlene Casciano-McCann, Carmen Diaz-Jusino,

Deborah DeBare, Cheryl Albrightand Jane C. Eskelund

photographerJohn Castillo, Agapao Productions

cover artistKathleen A. Swann

YW She Shinesc/o YWCA Rhode Island

514 Blackstone Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895 sheshines.org | [email protected]

401-769-7450

YW She Shines is published annually and distributed freethroughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

All stated opinions are those of the individual authors and not ofthe publication as a whole. All magazine content, including

articles, advertisements, art, photographs and design is copyright© 2015, YW She Shines, all rights reserved. No portion of this

magazine may be copied or reprinted without the writtenpermission of the publisher. YW She Shines is a trademark of

YWCA Rhode Island. Circulation for this fall edition is 9,000.

cover artto the sunand back

Kathleen A. Swann was inspired to paint a sun-flower pastel, following a family outing. Uponfirst glance, all the sunflowers appeared to be thesame. She then realized that, depending how andwhere she looked, each flower took on its ownprominence. Perspective changed both her per-ception and appreciation of the garden’s entiretyand each flower’s individuality.

Kathleen A. Swann holds a PhD in educa-tion with extensive experience in teaching,literacy, and nonprofit management. Alate-blooming artist, she began drawing

several years ago by sketching in a field journal.Swann has studied at RISD, New York BotanicalGardens, and local art associations. Her work isinspired by nature and ranges from scientifically accu-rate illustrations to creative pieces in different media.Her latest project is OOWOW™, a children’s gamethat develops reading skills. Swann builds resiliencythrough regular yoga and meditation practice, com-bined with strong, supportive relationships. She firmlybelieves that, while change is a part of life, we all liveto learn and can embrace opportunities for self-discov-ery. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Images courtesy of Kathleen A. Swann

trust ithow to:

contribute. YW She Shines welcomes letters to the editor, articles, poetry, stories,graphics, photos and calendar events. Contact us if you have an inspiring story to tellor have a suggestion of someone to be featured. Only original contributions will beconsidered and may be edited due to space limitations. Include contact information:name, e-mail, address and phone number. Images provided electronically must behigh-resolution.

submit cover art. The cover is reserved as a gallery of art in keeping with theYW She Shines theme. For consideration, send in a photo by e-mail attachment or mail.This is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to show their work. A biography ispublished in conjunction with the “Artist Canvas” section of YW She Shines.

advertise. Visit sheshines.org to view the advertising media kit. YW She Shinesreserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems inappro-priate for the publication.

receive the magazine. YW She Shines is a free publication mailed to membersand friends of YWCA Rhode Island. To be added to the mailing list, send in the sub-scription form - available online at sheshines.org. The magazine is also available atYWCA Rhode Island and at various special events.

Hi Mollie!photo by Deborah L. Perry

star Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation

silver Gilbane Building Company

Northwest Woolen Mills / Heat Smart Campaign

sincere Landmark Medical Center

Merrill LynchNation Wide Construction

Navigant Credit UnionPawtucket Credit UnionProvidence City Council

Rebuilding TogetherSt Mary’s Home for Children

sister Annenberg Institute for School Reform

Centered Change, LLCCRM Modular Homes

Dr. Day CareThe Economic Progress Institute

The Law Offices of Susan GershkoffGloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation

Opportunities Unlimited

smile Advancing Women’s Excellence

Ocean State Center for Independent LivingSansiveri, Kimball & Co. LLP

the many guests of the Honorees

donation The Chace Fund, Inc.

in kind Crown Trophy, plaques

Park Square Florist, Inc., corsagesDeb Ruggiero, emcee

Swarovski, gifts

3Shinesshesheshines.org fall 2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORSCathy Brien, Chair

Marissa Trinque, 1st Vice ChairKim Garneau, 2nd Vice Chair

Susan Gershkoff, Esq., Treasurer/SecretaryCarla BisbanoRosemary Brite

Alessandra BorgesSandra CanoLisa Carcifero

Gail DavisSusan Donahue, DC

Karen GagerStephanie Gonzalez

Jeanne LynchMonica Neronha

Kavita PatelRatha Sen

Nancy WilsonDeborah L. Perry, President/Chief Executive Officerwe’re making a difference

honoring women of achievementYWCA Rhode Island recognizeswomen in industry, culture and public service

event underwriters and attendeesthank you!

hirteen women and an organization were recognized for theiraccomplishments promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity atthe 11th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon, heldSeptember 29 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. Deb Ruggieroserved as the event emcee.

Congratulations to the 2015 honorees. YWCA Rhode Islandappreciates the underwriters and attendees celebrating the followingWomen of Achievement and Organization of the Year: Aleatha M.Dickerson, Sabina Matos, Edna O’Neill Mattson, Rebeca Filomeno-Nason, Catalina Martinez, Laurie Ludovici, Kathryn Quina, Kim A.Ripoli, Charon L. Rose, Carlene Casciano-McCann, Carmen Diaz-Jusino, Deborah DeBare, Cheryl Albright, Rebuilding TogetherProvidence, and volunteers from Honeywell Hometown Solutions.

Women of Achievement Awards are recognized nationally. Theybring attention to the accomplishments of women in industry, cultureand public service in local communities. For additional information,visit www.womenofachievementRI.org.

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“YWCA is pleased to host this celebration for the eleventh year in a row torecognize the accomplishments of women across industry, culture and publicservice,” says Deborah L. Perry, president/chief executive officer of YWCARhode Island. "YWCA recognizes these extraordinary women for theiramazing achievements, they are truly making a difference in Rhode Island."

Editor’s Note: The honorees are highlighted on pages 9 through 22.

4 Shinesshe fall 2015 sheshines.org


Heat Smart was created with the simple thought that there are affordable,easy-to-use tools that can make a big difference in how households useenergy. We have been successful in large part by combining these toolswith energy efficiency information and education that helps families useenergy more wisely. So far, this program has been used everywhere fromCalifornia to Maine.

We can make it work in your community too.

Contact: Donna Montaquila, Executive [email protected] x250

6 Shinesshe fall 2015 sheshines.org


“Al Valliere, President andMarc Pincince, Vice Presidentrecognize the 11th Annual

Women of Achievement Awards”

Rebuilding Together congratulates Jane Eskelund,the dedicated staff and volunteers atRebuilding Together Providence, and

Honeywell Hometown Solutions on receiving theprestigious Organization of the Year award fromYWCA Rhode Island! Your work is a testament to

Rebuilding Together’s vison of providing asafe and healthy home for very person.


Online Anytime

www.amazingwomenri.comSunday Mornings

7:00am on 630 WPRO AM and 99.7 FM6:30am on 92 PRO FM6:00am on LITE ROCK 105

LISTEN TO THE STORIES OF WOMENWHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Hear the stories of women who make a difference in education,healthcare, business, politics, and the arts.

Congratulationsto the 2015

Women of Achievement

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Woman of Achievement

ake time to be thankful for the present, this giftof life. Enjoy the simple things, but don’t be afraidto work and play hard. Learn from past experiences,the good as well as the struggles. Explore options asyou prepare to move into the future. Look to thepositive and accept those things we do not have con-trol of. Build on your abilities, rather than focusingon what you are unable to do. Have patience.Finally, always respect yourself and treat others withrespect and dignity.

Throughout my life I have had to overcomenumerous bridges as I worked to achieve my goals. Iguess you might call me stubborn, but when facedwith a challenge, I tend to dig my heels in andbecome determined to find a way to move forward. Ihope I might be a positive role model for my daugh-ter, granddaughters, nieces and the other girls andwomen in my life to encourage them that they mayovercome the struggles.

In 1987, I had a severe illness which altered mylife in ways I could never have imagined. As a wife,mother of four young children, and a pathology tech-nologist working full-time, I was suddenly faced witha very serious illness which left me in pain, physical-ly weak and visually impaired.

However, during the initial two-month hospitalstay, I focused on my faith in God to give mecourage and strength. I made a conscious decision toaccept the situation, but was determined to move for-ward to do all I could to live a full life regardless ofthe new limitations.

With the support of my husband Keith, my moth-er, and other family members, I set out on this newpath. I reflected on past experiences to learn how toaccomplish the simplest daily tasks. Everyday things,such as grooming, having a meal and other dailyactivities had become challenging. I had to findpatience with myself and also with some people try-

ing to offer what I perceived as too much help. Aftermany surgeries over several years which made mepain free, and a long rehabilitation, I learned how toget around independently to meet my daily needs andto take care of my young family.

By volunteering in the community and learningto use a computer with special software, I improvedmy skills and knowledge. I wanted to resume havinga career. After several years, I dared to enroll in agraduate program and enjoyed earning a Master’s ofScience degree.

One important lesson I have learned is thatalthough I like to think of myself as a woman with avery independent spirit, I realize there are timeswhen we all need to accept support and assistancefrom others. Support might come from family orfriends, but there are also service providers andresources available along the way to help us throughthis interesting adventure we call life.

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Aleatha M. DickersonHow do we build resilient girls? How do you build resiliency in your own life?

Aleatha M. Dickerson hasserved as project manager forthe Rhode Island SeniorMedicare Patrol Project at theRhode Island Department ofHuman Services, Division ofElderly Affairs. She is also pro-gram manager for the RhodeIsland Title IIIC Congregateand Home Delivered NutritionPrograms; and program man-ager for the Rhode Island TitleIIID Health Promotion andMedication Management pro-gram grants. In addition, sheserves as project director forthe Commodities SupplementalFood Program. Dickerson pre-viously worked for the RhodeIsland Services for the Blindand Visually ImpairedIndependent Living Program asa rehabilitation teacher. Sheearned a Master of Sciencedegree from the University ofRhode Island and has aBachelor of Science degreefrom Rhode Island College.

photo by Agapao Productions




Sabina MatosWhy do we need more women holding public office?

Providence Council PresidentPro Tempore Sabina Matoswas first elected Councilpersonfor Ward 15 in 2010, and wasre-elected in 2014. She repre-sents Olneyville, as well asparts of Silver Lake and Valleyneighborhoods. She is the firstLatina Council President ProTempore in Providence’shistory. Matos graduated fromRhode Island College with aBA in Communications andPublic Relations. She is agraduate of the LatinaLeadership Institute andLeadership For a Future.Matos is a past President ofRhode Island Latino PoliticalAction Committee. She hasserved on many boardsincluding Olneyville HousingCorporation, United Way ofRhode Island and ECASTheater.


t is important that women are elected to publicoffice because women bring a different andimportant perspective when dealing with issues.Often time women bring a fresh voice to thetable. Furthermore, we tend to tackle issuesby approaching things from a different angle.Our decision making process tends to be morefocus on the well being of the community as awhole; it is almost as if the mothering instinct isalways on.

At this time, for a woman to serve effective-ly in elected office can be challenging; manytimes we have to work twice as hard as ourmales’ colleagues to call attention to an issue ofimportance. If we had more females voices inelected office this would be different. Morewomen involved in the political process willtranslate eventually into more women in leader-ship positions and at the decision making tables.

Regardless of the challenges, women learn towork with what we have, and yes, work harder ifneed be in order to find the way to ensure thatour voices are heard and our points of view arerespected. There are always those whom wouldprefer to take for granted our role; but instead,their actions really make us stronger.Many times, those actions are the catalysts thattransform us into becoming more assertive in ourdiscourse in order to defend our point of view.

As you can see, there are several issuesinvolving women in public office. First, we defi-nitely need more women in elected office and weneed to continue to encourage other women torun for office. Secondly, we also need to ensurethat once in elected office, women feel empow-ered and have a good understanding oftheir authority.

I

Essay originally appeared in2012 YW She Shines™ magazine,

to coincide with the 4th annualWomen Holding Office Celebration

when Sabina Matos was honoredas a ‘Rising Political Star’.

At her request, it is reprintedfor this Fall 2015 edition.

11sheshines.org fall 2015


Edna O’Neill Mattson has along history of volunteerismsuch as with The Navy ReliefSociety and American RedCross. She has served on theNorth Kingstown PersonnelBoard, North KingstownDemocratic Town Committee –1st Woman Chair, and helpedorganize the Rhode IslandDemocratic City and TownChair Associations. She servedon the Rhode Island BoyScouts Board and participatedas a den mother. At CCRI, sheis active with both the CCRIFoundation and StudentLeadership Committee.Mattson is still active on anumber of committees both atCCRI as well as politically.Presently she serves as aRhode Island DemocraticNational Committee Women.


he old saying “time flies when you are havingfun”—does indeed apply to our lives.

Though not all has been fun—it has all been a“learning experience”—the journey has beenlong—but then at 79 you’d expect that.

As to my path—I had a Mother who was thebest of examples both her love and interaction withour family as well as her fine example of givingback to the community and those in need—alwaysthere when someone needed a hand. The ability tocope with situations was learned early on fromher—she was my mentor—and started me on mypolitical venture—stuffing envelopes for John F.Kennedy when he first ran for congress-- anothermentor and fine lady Eleanor Slater, later in mylife-- encouraged me to become involved locally in

North Kingstown, then with the state Democraticparty and Democratic National committee--andboth shared the same birthday though 5 yearsapart—each committed to family and politicallysavvy.

Coping skills are critical in the developmentand self assurance of all genders and come to usoften by example. We each must take pride andrespect for ourselves first—in order to pass thisalong to our sisters.

I have found great satisfaction in volunteeringin many areas—as a youngster-- a Girl Scout—lateras a Gray Lady with American Red Cross—then asa coordinator of volunteer programs at several mili-tary hospitals, case work for the Navy ReliefSociety—a Mission One liaison for the 143rd

Tactical Air Group for many years and as an execu-tive board member of the RIESGR with anotherfine group of individuals concerned with the well-being of our military personnel as well as theirfamilies. The Military Order of Foreign Wars exec-utive board—providing awards to outstanding stu-dent achievers. My many years with CCRI andFoundation and the interaction with StudentGovernment—providing scholarships and seeingyoung people thrive as they move forth with confi-dence in the choices that they are making is mostrewarding to me.

If each day we can each learn something ofvalue to benefit our world in a positive manner–how much better we all will be. God blessAmerica and our world. CARPE DIEM.

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Edna O’Neill MattsonHow do we build resilient girls?

How do you build resiliency in your own life?

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fall 2015 sheshines.org12


hen I hear the word resiliency I begin to pic-ture particular faces of children and adolescents whohave entered my life throughout my short thirteenyears as an educator and school counselor. The chal-lenging experiences of my students and their familieshave included illness, separation, loss, poverty,homelessness, depression, emotional abuse, physicalabuse, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy and parent-ing. Students and their families have shared numer-ous examples of their pain and turmoil. I have lis-tened with humility and admiration for their strengthand resiliency.

As I reflect on the characteristics of resiliency,common qualities come to mind. Resilient individu-als are often hopeful, optimistic, and persistent. Theyacknowledge failures as opportunities for self-reflec-tion, learning and growth. Resilient individuals areable to identify where they are, where they want to

be, and then take the necessary steps to get there.Yet, the most admirable quality is their ability toseek out support and guidance when they need it themost. I believe it is through supportive and caringrelationships with mentors, that girls and youngwomen continue to build resiliency. Through thesemeaningful relationships a sense of identity and self-worth is fostered.

I was a pregnant and parenting teen myself. Icontinuously experienced obstacles. Paths of oppor-tunity that were once part of my plan were no longerin place once I became pregnant. I had to find myown way, and I did, but I was not alone. I have beenmost fortunate to have many mentors along this jour-ney. For each and every path I decided to take, a car-ing woman was there to walk right along side me.She allowed me to share my thoughts, feelings, fearsand goals. She helped me recognize my strengths and

my weaknesses. She shared with me her ability to beresilient, and the importance of integrity. I have onlyreached this point in my life because of these amaz-ing women.

Now it is my turn to impart the support theyhave gifted me. I am a school guidance counselor forunderserved, pregnant and parenting teens. While mystudents and I share similar experiences, our lives aredifferent. Every journey is unique. The fact that I,too, was a teen mom does not automatically make mean effective school counselor. What defines me moreas an educator, counselor and mentor is my ability togrow and develop meaningful relationships with mystudents and their families.

Failure makes you fall. Strength helps yousteady. Resiliency is the ability to rise. But, it isalways easier to rise when you have a helping handto pull you up.

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Rebeca Filomeno-NasonHow do we build resilient girls?


Rebeca Filomeno-Nason is ahigh school guidance coun-selor for Sheila C. “Skip”Nowell Leadership Academy, apublic charter school that edu-cates pregnant, parenting andunderserved adolescents. Likemany of her students,Filomeno-Nason was a teenmom. She balanced mother-hood, work as a preschoolteacher, and study atCommunity College of RhodeIsland. She went on to LesleyUniversity, graduating with abachelor’s degree in HumanDevelopment. Filomeno-Nasonthen began working as an edu-cator at The LearningCommunity Charter School.Concentrating on her life-longdream of becoming a highschool guidance counselor,she went on to pursue a mas-ter’s degree in SchoolCounseling from Seton HallUniversity. Currently, Filomeno-Nason is seeking her adminis-trator certification through thePrincipal in ResidencyNetwork.


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hen I saw the questions that YW She Shines™posed to the 2015 Women of Achievement recipients,I connected immediately. As a Hispanic woman froman underserved community, I’ve faced a great deal ofadversity in my life, and I had to learn at a veryyoung age how to turn obstacles into detours insteadof allowing them to become outright barriers. Thisability to remain determined and resilient, and to bedeliberate in my actions, feelings, and thoughtsdespite challenging circumstances, is what has pro-pelled me through life. That’s not to say that I don’tcave emotionally from time to time, because I cer-tainly do. But it’s not so much about what happens toyou, it’s how you respond that matters most.

A courageous young woman I met recently atthe RI Job Corps Academy said it best when shesaid ‘it’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’regoing; it’s not what’s on you, it’s what’s in you.’

Thank you Samantha Harris.Some people are inherently resilient or come

from circumstances that naturally lend themselvestoward developing the skills and characteristics ofresilience. Thankfully, resilience can be learned, andin my experience, the most resilient people buildconfidence and strength through navigating difficultsituations and overcoming adversity. They learn tosolve complex problems and adapt to change, andthrough trial and error, learn when it’s necessary toreach out for help. They surround themselves withgood people who champion them and provide essen-tial guidance and support to help make good choices,and they develop a sense of self worth and compas-sion through building and maintaining strong, posi-tive relationships.

I believe the greatest challenge for young girls interms of building resilience is that there is so much

destructive messaging around girls and women glob-ally, and the access to this information is immediateand continuous.

I mentor a great deal, and I believe we mustteach our girls to look beyond the negativity andexpose themselves to new, positive experiences sothey don’t limit their vision of who they can become.We have to help our girls shift their thoughts andfeelings about who they are and where they fit in theworld and in society. Girls also must be prepared towork hard and take chances, and they should becoached to think strategically so that when they faceobstacles, they learn how to overcome them. And forthose who, like me, may not have started out with thebest circumstances, they must always remember thatwhere they begin their lives does not have to deter-mine where they end up.

With three graduate degreesfrom URI – MS inOceanography, MMA in MarineAffairs, and an MBA – and adistinguished career with theU.S. Federal Government,Catalina Martinez achievedsignificant academic and pro-fessional success against allodds. After dropping out ofhigh school and obtaining aGED, she spent many yearsworking with urban school chil-dren and victims of domesticviolence while pursuing hereducation. Throughout her life,Martinez has worked to bridgethe equity divide by developingopportunities for groups histori-cally underrepresented andunderserved, and she remainsdetermined to help increasepotential for life success forindividuals born to challengingcircumstances.


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Catalina MartinezHow do we build resilient girls?




e can help young girls build critical resiliencyskills by supporting them while they endure difficultlife experiences and by modeling resilient behavior.Whether the challenge is a difficult school workassignment, social conflict, or other pressures, eachchallenge confronted and brought to resolution buildsupon the previous one, providing valuable experienceand empowering young girls to keep trying.

Although failure may be feared, girls can learnthat failure is only a curve in the road, not the end ofthe road. Young girls need to be engaged in positiveand purposeful interactions with their families and intheir schools and communities. Using this engage-ment and ongoing interactions as a replacement foridle time provides a sense of belonging and accom-plishment while building self-esteem.

As I reflect on my years as a parent, being avail-able and being consistent have been useful approaches.I have heard the words “I can’t” come out of my chil-dren’s mouths more than I would like. I wish I couldtell you that I have some magical, perfectly choreo-graphed response, but I don’t. I strive, and we allshould strive, to support and encourage all children topush forward and do the thing they think they can’t do.

As a young girl, I used difficult experiences androle models to form an early foundation of resiliencyskills. I can recall as a young school girl being terri-

fied to get on the school bus. I would become upset;throw tantrums even, to try to get my mother to letme stay home. She pushed me onto the bus andsometimes through the school doors, forcing me todo the thing I thought I couldn’t do. She believed Icould get on that bus; I began to believe it too. Mymother’s support and encouragement during thosetimes is where I began to develop resiliency.

At different stages in my life I have had to workthrough difficult or trying circumstances. Early in mycareer, as the first female candidate from the RhodeIsland Army National Guard, I went off to Armyflight training. I had my reservations and fearedreturning home as a failure. I learned that fear wasnot a sign of weakness. Quitting was never an option.Believing in myself and leveraging the experience ofothers helped me work harder and push myself toexceed my expectations.

Being selected to the State Police recruit trainingacademy was a time of both excitement and anxiety.I had no idea what was in store for me. I relied onmy experience in the military to prepare as best Icould. I found that breaking this long, intense fivemonth overnight training down into days, that turnedinto weeks, kept me on track and saw me to success-ful completion. Quitting was never an option.

The biggest challenge, both personally and pro-

fessionally, came when I learned my National Guardunit was being deployed to Iraq in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom. Despite the fact that I had afairly new husband and two young children at home,not going with my unit was never an option. Duringthis long deployment, I found the unwavering supportand encouragement of my family, friends and fellowdeployed soldiers allowed me to focus on the mission.Looking back, I relied on the building blocks ofresiliency that I had started to form as a young girl.

Recently, after being diagnosed with breast cancer,I looked to the countless women who had fought thebattle for encouragement. I needed to see how othersendured to believe that I could. I told a fellow survivor,and friend, that I hoped I could get through treatmentwith only half the grace and dignity she showed. I knowshe would laugh if I told her she was a role model.

Circumstances and challenges are unique, but whatbuilds resilience often looks the same. My daughtermay never serve overseas in combat, have a career inlaw enforcement, or endure a cancer diagnosis, but it ismy hope that she was watching when I did. I assem-bled those building blocks that my mother helped formyears ago. She helped me form high expectations formyself and helped show me that I could meet thoseexpectations. And while at times my resiliency mayhave wavered, the foundation endured.

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Laurie LudoviciHow do we build resilient girls?How do you build resiliency in your own life?

Laurie Ludovici is in her eighteenth year in lawenforcement, currently serving as division

accreditation manager with the Rhode IslandState Police. Under her guidance the Rhode

Island State Police was awarded “Accreditationwith Excellence” based on the national gold stan-

dard assessment model. A combat veteran aswell, she retired from the Army National Guard

as a major following her tour flying UH-60 BlackHawks in Iraq. Ludovici was the first female can-didate from Rhode Island to attend and graduatefrom the U. S. Army’s flight training program. She

is a graduate of Roger Williams University.Ludovici was recently selected for a three-year

appointment as the sole law enforcement repre-sentative to the National Child Safety Board.




hese questions have been ever-present for methrough the years I have taught and advised students,studied trauma and recovery, and tried to be a gooddaughter and mother. I still don’t have an answer, butI have learned a lot.

I think we must redefine resilience. I used to mar-vel at people who had “gotten over” abuse or who had“made it” in men’s worlds. I thought they must beendowed with super-woman emotional strength (and Iwanted some too!). Maybe they were. But I alsorejoiced at the self-confidence that emerged as adultwomen earned their college degrees, escaped violentrelationships or birth countries, came back from dev-astating childhood abuse, and found inner peace evenwhile behind bars. I came to see resilience not as aninnate talent granted only to some, but a learnedprocess. I began to measure resilience not by externalachievements, but by the very act of coping itself, tak-ing power over ones own actions, regardless of the

circumstances. And I came to view “thriving” as help-ing others do the same.

How can you and I help build resilience? Almostevery adult learner, abuse survivor, refugee, or incar-cerated woman who I could call “resilient” described,with gratitude, someone who believed in them, and indoing so helped them find their own strength.Whether a mother, teacher, a sister, or helping profes-sional, whether they were always there or only intheir lives for a brief time, the impact was palpable:“She believed in me, so I believed in myself.” I real-ized that neither role required superpowers - any ofus can do it!

I’ve published research data to support this view,but it was harder to learn how to be that resilience-builder myself – especially for my own daughter! But Ithought about my mother, who lived through theDepression and worked through World War II, but wasforbidden to pursue the engineering career she craved.

She wasn’t excited about my life choices, but she letme know she loved me with gusto. With that samegusto, she would take us Girl Scouts out into theFlorida wilderness, braving snakes and using the latrinewe dug with our little camping shovels, allowing us todiscover our strengths as she was discovering her own.In her Sunday school class, she engaged fellow house-wives in intellectual discussions, providing a space forthem to stretch their minds as well as their faith.

Instead of judging her as “wasting” her potential, Ibegan to admire how she had embraced a brave, sub-versive “Plan B,” building strength in others even asshe discovered it in herself. Although I still have trou-ble labeling myself as resilient, I now know I canmake a difference in the world. If I have thrived, it isnot because I found that magic cape I was looking for,but because I helped others discover their own strengthas I learned my own. May the young women in ourlives never have to search for a cape at all!

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Kathryn QuinaHow do we build resilient girls?


Kathryn “Kat” Quina combineda passion for social justice withacademia, teachingPsychology and Women’sStudies and serving in variousadministrative roles at theProvidence campus of theUniversity of Rhode Island.She has coauthored or coedit-ed six books and numerousarticles addressing sexualassault and trauma, incarcerat-ed women, HIV risk, multicul-tural teaching, and gender inthe workplace. Active in localand national organizations, shehas been recognized locallyand nationally for advances inmulticultural psychology, men-torship for women, and serviceto feminist psychology.




esilient girls are “built” when they are taught atan early age a true sense of right and wrong; that isthe “key stone” to building a strong life foundation.Resilient girls are gutsy, imaginative, spirited, andare not afraid to try different challenges. It is in thatfoundation of resiliency which enables girls to culti-vate strong values and helps to prevent them fromsuccumbing to the negative outside forces, from toomuch media and social expectations.

In 2015, relationships that promote a resilientmindset through family, friends, civic involvement,education, and athletics increases their sense ofbelonging, thus making them more resilient to themisogynic messages of denigration, objectification,and marginalization which reduces their self-esteem.

The most important lessons I learned regardingresiliency have been applicable not only to my mili-tary career, civilian career, or my public service ingovernment, but most importantly to my personal life.

My father was the epitome of selfless sacrifice, ineverything he did whether it was his family or hiscareer. To say he was an intellectual, does not do himjustice, he was fluent in five languages, was a chemistand pharmacist, and voracious reader, who was forev-er teaching his youngest child, me, about the values ofintegrity, personal responsibility and education.

Back in the 1960s and 70s, in South Jersey a girl likeme was termed a “Tom-Boy”. I had a unique personality,a dichotomy of a high achiever and team player. In 1988,the Navy introduced to me their core values of Honor,Courage, and Commitment, which was just another layerof the family values I had learned. As a child I loved his-tory, especially military history. I always admired thosewho fought in combat and often wondered if I possessedthe intestinal fortitude to do the same.

Well in 1991, that question was answered withmy first war deployment to Fleet Hospital #15 forOperation Desert Shield/Storm and watching the

Scud missiles flying overhead.However in 2003, it was my Iraq War deployment

with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force that put myfoundation of core values and resiliency to the test! Iattribute my resiliency during those nine months inthat austere environment to a rigid moral compass,courtesy of the nuns of St. Joan of Arc, tough workethic from my parents and extended Ripoli family, andan openness to change and challenges.

Finally, I am always reminded of a poem my dadhad me learn as a 9 year old following my nanna’s death:

“I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chatted all theway; But left me none the wiser For all she had tosay. I walked a mile with Sorrow; And ne’er a wordsaid she; But, oh! The things I learned from her,When Sorrow walked with me.” ― Robert Browning

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Kim A. RipoliHow do we build resilient girls?


Kim A. Ripoli is the associatedirector of the Division ofVeterans Affairs for the State ofRhode Island. During her 26years in the U.S. Navy, sheadvanced through very com-petitive ranks. As a result ofher efforts, Ripoli received afollow on assignment to ThePentagon. Her military decora-tions include three Navy andMarine Corps CommendationMedals, eight Navy and MarineCorps Achievement medals,Army Achievement Medal,Combat Action Ribbon,Presidential Unit Citation, IraqCampaign Medal, Global Waron Terrorism Medal, KuwaitLiberation Medal-Saudi Arabia,Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait and various service,unit and campaign awards.She is a key member of theteam working on the new $94million RI Veteran Home con-struction project. Ripoli holds abachelor’s degree from RhodeIsland College and master’sdegree from Salve ReginaUniversity.




omen are strong. Women are encouraging andhopeful. We are quick to recover and reform. We areresilient. It is that resiliency, strong and encouraginghope, which builds resilient girls.

Society likes to put women in neat, definedboxes that suppress our individuality. Resilient girlsare built by women empowered to be multifacetedand complete in their lives.

Our culture values a man's opinion more than afemale's. Resilient girls are built by women with strongconvictions and confident in their views and values.

Too often young girls are forced to conform to soci-ety’s views because of judgement and ridicule. We buildresilient girls by opening our hearts and asking ques-tions full of love and respect rather than judgement.

Resilient girls are inquisitive and explore theworld around them. They are optimistic, goal orient-ed, they look for opportunities to grow into wellrounded women, and they never view themselves asvictims.

Resilient girls are built by resilient women whounderstand the need to cultivate a generation of com-passionate, fierce trailblazers.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me,an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For itsays that no matter how hard the world pushes againstme, within me, there’s something stronger – somethingbetter, pushing right back.” ― Albert Camus

I personally believe building resiliency is aboutpersonal growth and viewing every moment as ateachable experience. Growth is hard and sometimesdisappointing, it can be judgmental and unbiased but itis a necessity of a productive life. Resiliency is learn-ing how to channel that growth and use it towards thebetterment of your life and your community.

I am very cognizant of my past; it helps guideme towards the future I am trying to build. I learnfrom my successes but more importantly, my failures.These are teachable moments that help the growth ofmy resolve and resilience. I find that my most honestthoughts and brazen ideas have been awoken in meduring my darkest hours, those are my favorite teach-able moments and best way to build resiliency.

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Charon L. RoseHow do we build resilient girls?


Charon L. Rose is the directorof constituent relations forGeneral Treasurer SethMagaziner. Rose is a lifelongRhode Islander with deep rootsin the capital city, Providence.A graduate of Classical HighSchool, she is a first genera-tion college graduate receivingher Bachelor of Arts inCommunication from RhodeIsland College. Growing up inthe city’s Chad Brown neigh-borhood, Rose had an earlyunderstanding of socialinequality and injustices.Because of that, she becameactive in local politics and hasbeen a volunteer and staffmember for a number of elect-ed officials. Rose is presidentof the Young Democrats ofRhode Island, the organiza-tion’s first Black president, andco-director of New LeadersCouncil Rhode Island.




aving received a request to write an essay onhow to build resilient girls, I considered it a fairlyeasy task since I have served, and worked with,amazingly resilient people throughout my life.However, once I started to write, the task becamemuch more complex than I imagined.

I'm not sure any of us know how we will bounceback from life’s challenges until we’re faced withoverwhelming stressors. If we are fortunate, we haveacquired some resilience “training wheels” as wemove through childhood having experienced smalldisappointments, obstacles to getting what you want,failing, etc. These less weighty situations buoyed bysupportive adults can prepare us for those that havethe potential to be devastating.

Learning to cope with and rise above difficultiescan be taught. If we use mistakes and/or failures aslearning opportunities rather than something for

which to feel ashamed, we embolden our girls to takerisks, venture forth and exude confidence. Girls needpositive relationships with adults from who they canbe validated for their thoughts, opinions and feelings;adults who can instill a sense of optimism, perspec-tive and hope; who can tolerate uncertainty and whorole model resilience. Just as important, girls need tobe affirmed and reinforced for exhibiting grit andstaying the course when facing challenges.

We need to teach girls the power of problem-solv-ing rather than “fix” things for them. Being there tohelp them talk through a solution to a problem or aplan for moving forward teaches our girls self-efficacy.Young girls must be taught that what they say matters.

Regarding how I build resiliency in my own life,I would say that I was blessed with a strong founda-tion by my parents. Team sports from elementaryschool through college supplemented the foundation

and helped me realize the important role that othersplay in strengthening my resolve. Building a strongsupport system is vital in weathering those stormsthat arise throughout life.

As I was assuming the executive director posi-tion at my agency, we were on the verge of closingour doors for good. Fortunately, I was a member of ateam that never gave up even when the odds seemedinsurmountable. With each obstacle we encountered,we found ways around, over or through it. Together,we became an unstoppable force that managed toturn around a failing organization. In answer to how Ibuild resilience in my own life, I have surroundedmyself with supportive, passionate, strong individualswho hold similar values and who do not give up.Building resilience is a team effort.

H

Carlene Casciano-McCannHow do we build resilient girls?


Carlene Casciano-McCann hasbeen the executive director ofSt. Mary’s Home for Childrensince 2008. She holds a bach-elor’s degree from StonehillCollege and master’s degreefrom Rhode Island College.Recognizing the need for anapproach based on dignity,meaning and youth and familyvoice and choice, Casciano-McCann has focused onimproving all facets of servicedelivery in order to providetrauma-informed services tothe youth and families servedby St. Mary’s Home forChildren.




n today’s world, women of all ages need todevelop strengths, learn skills to deal with chal-lenges, recover from hardships, and be prepared foranything that life throw at them. In the media, weare seeing more women trailblazing leadershippaths for younger women to take and go beyondgender stereotypes. Hence, we need to stimulate inyoung girls the need to be resilient in order to suc-ceed in life. Resilience is not an innate skill thathas been programmed in our genetic blueprint.Resilience is a skill that can be thought and learnedwhich can propel younger generations of girls intoa promising future.

As I reflect at my role as the director of NewEnterprise and Women’s Business Center at the Centerfor Women and Enterprise (CWE), I believe thatinstilling resiliency in young girls, has an importantrole in their developing minds and unique personali-

ties. At CWE, we utilize the “4 C’s” (Competence,Confidence, Connections and Capital) to help new andestablished entrepreneurs learn and strengthen theirskillsets. The same core principles can be installed inyoung girls, however, I would change at this time cap-ital for control.

First, recognize the fact that we are competentenough to handle any situation and empowered to takeappropriate decisions. Nurturing competence in younggirls will enable them to recognize the ability of han-dling different and sometimes difficult situations.

Second, building confidence in girls’ abilities tomanage all aspects of their lives by letting themknow what they do well, recognizing their achieve-ments and helping them overcome challenges.

Third, developing connections is very importantin the lives of young girls. It is imperative that wecreate opportunities for girls to build relationships

with professional women who can help shape theirconfidence, act as role models, and provide supportin difficult situations.

Lastly, she must understand that she controls herpresent goals and future aspirations. Moreover, shemust realize that she is in control of her decisions,while seeking advice from others. This is very pow-erful and will also boost her competence and confi-dence, too.

In my life, I also practice the “four C’s”, under-standing how important it is to be informed, to knowmy strengths and my challenges in both my profes-sional and personal life. In addition, I have created asupport network of people in my life that I can reachout to them when I need a helping hand. As we buildresilience in our lives, we are shaping our confidenceand we are in control of our destiny.

I

Carmen Diaz-JusinoHow do we build resilient girls?


Carmen Diaz-Jusino has beenwith the Center for Women &Enterprise, for the past eightyears. She has a diverse arrayof professional experience –educator, community resourcesrepresentative, job developer,counselor for teenagers,Spanish interpreter and man-ager. Diaz-Jusino is also anentrepreneur having started alearning center in her homecountry, the DominicanRepublic. Today she is thedirector of New Enterprise andWBC, for CWE’s four locationsin New England. She holdsdegrees in Social Studies andPsychology and a Master inScience-Concentration inOrganizational Managementand Leadership.




don’t think we realize how significant and forma-tive early life experiences can be, until the years anddecades give us the wisdom of perspective. For me, Ibelieve that my teen age years on the basketball courtunknowingly and unintentionally provided me with aset of life skills and values, including attributes suchas resiliency, determination, teamwork, focus and theimportance of pure fun. These skills have been put touse, and tested time and again in my work to endviolence against women.

I’ve learned to pivot with only a moment’snotice. I’ve learned how important it is to have astrong defense, as well as an aggressive offense.I’ve figured out when to box out, and how to build a

strong bench. I’ve benefited from great coaching andmentoring, and tried to give back in these areas. Andone of the best lessons I’ve experienced, on the courtand in the workplace, is that even when you getelbowed or fouled, or knocked to the floor, you needto get yourself right back up on your own feet andget back in the game. That’s the grit that buildsresilience, and it’s that type of resilience that has bol-stered me for the long term work of ending violenceagainst women.

To build resilient girls we need strong women asrole models; we need to encourage girls to take risksand to try new things. We need to teach them topivot, to stand strong and to rely on each other since

the whole team is always stronger than the individualalone. We need to show them that even if we are“double-teamed” there are various ways to get out ofa jam.

When I think of the resiliency that is needed forthe “long haul,” to truly build a society based on gen-der equity where our girls will not have to live in aworld that accepts violence against women, I drawmy inspiration from the victims of domestic violencewho have had the courage to step up and speak outon this issue. The progress we have made, theresiliency of the domestic violence movement, andmy own personal resilience is a testament to thesecourageous survivors.

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Deborah DeBareHow do we build resilient girls?


Deborah DeBare, executivedirector of the Rhode IslandCoalition Against DomesticViolence, has been there fornearly twenty years. Prior, shespent five years at DomesticViolence Resource Center, fouryears at RI Rape Crisis Centerand two years working forState of Rhode Island in theDepartment of Mental Health.A Brown University graduatewith a B.A. in AmericanCivilization, DeBare also holdsa Master in Management ofHuman Services from theHeller School at BrandeisUniversity. DeBare has beeninvolved in numerous boardsand task forces, includingNational Network to EndDomestic Violence, RICoalition for the Homeless, RIEmergency Food & ShelterBoard, National IPV PreventionCouncil, and United WayCommunity InvestmentAdvisory Council.


21sheshines.org fall 2015


aith has played a key role in my life from earlychildhood to becoming an adult. I was always taughtto believe against the odds even if I did not see orunderstand how things would happen in my life. Inever gave up and took nothing for granted.

As a single and divorced mom, my life was full oftest and trials. At times, I did not know how I was goingto make ends meet. God placed some very specialwomen in my life to let me know my worth and value.

These positive influences helped me to realizethat knowing and loving me is the best gift I can givemyself. They let me know I was not in condemnationbecause of my circumstances. These women werenurturing, supportive, and their words strengthened

me. They really helped me to gain a new perspectiveduring a difficult time.

I believe that life’s challenges can be turned intosomething good. Mentally preparing myself forsomething great to happen while on this journey faroutweighed the obstacles I was facing. I was encour-aged to never give up on my dreams.

There is a saying that “life is a bowl of cherries.”What I believe is that “Life does not always go in theideal direction.” It is important to know there will bebumps and bruises as we grow and mature. Someopportunities are good and others are not. This does notmean that you give up on yourself. Passion and deter-mination helps to overcome most of the obstacles.

The wise must teach and mentor the young sothey will gain wisdom and teach others. Speakingpositive into someone’s life will always bring aboutcause and effect change. We must teach young girlsto dream and write those dreams down so they areable to visually understand where they are headed inlife. We must instill that they are here for a uniquepurpose only they are able to accomplish (how spe-cial can that be). Let’s teach them to never give upand take nothing for granted.

Most of all, let’s encourage them to savor andcelebrate those teaching moments that will benuggets of gold in their lives.

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Cheryl AlbrightHow do we build resilient girls?


In 1969, desegregation forced9-year-old Cheryl Albright tostep out of her familiar blackchurch, school, and communityin the foothills of NorthCarolina into a white schoolwhere she and four other blackstudents learned about racism.Singing became her ticket toacceptance. She has lived inRhode Island since 1980 andhas performed throughout theAtlantic seacoast. Her produc-tion “Oh Freedom Over Me!”weaves her own story andthose of five African-Americanwomen singers from 1880through the turbulent TwentiethCentury.


Shinesshe


Organization of the Year

he word community is derived from theword common and it means that which a groupholds in common. Most of us use the word as adescription of the world that surrounds us, butwe often forget that we are a vital part of thatworld, the one in which we have a commoninterest with everyone else in our group. Aresilient community is one that is not onlystrong, but is long lasting, and it benefits every-one who is a part of that group.

A community can not stand on its own. Inorder for it to even exist, there has to be a com-pelling reason for people to gather together for acommon purpose. And for a resilient communityto grow and prosper, members must take part inthe building and maintenance of that communityso that all may benefit from its rewards.

Community does not mean someone else

takes care of things. Community means you getinvolved. And resilient communities happenwhen lots of people get involved.

How does Rebuilding Together fosterresilient communities? Rebuilding Togetheridentifies critical needs and gathers people fromthe community to address those needs. Our vol-unteers are all ages and come from all walks oflife. They all come together to make a difference,and to teach others that where there is a commonpurpose, great things can be accomplished.

When it comes to building community, noone has to be an expert. All you have to do is bewilling to join in the effort, contribute your timeand talent, and not be afraid to do your best.When people see the results of this, it becomes arallying point and serves a powerful example ofhow to build resilient communities.

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How do we build a resilient community?by Jane C. Eskelund, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Providence

Volunteer days were coordinated by Rebuilding TogetherProvidence with assistance from volunteers at HoneywellHometown Solutions. In 2014, fall projects were completed atthe Central Falls/Pawtucket Campus of YWCA Rhode Islandsuch as building raised garden beds, repairing fences, cleaningup the grounds, painting walls, and hanging new curtains/blinds.In 2015, summer projects were completed at YWCA CampHamilton such as clearing trails, refurbishing basketball courts,building benches, restoring picnic tables and painting variousexterior locations in and around the camp.

photo courtesy of Honeywell Hometown Solutions

Rebuilding Together works to positively impact whole communi-ties through rehabilitation of homes and surrounding schools,parks, gardens and nonprofit facilities. They are engaged in cre-ating changes across the country with the help of everyday citi-zen volunteers, skilled tradespeople and the support of localbusiness and corporate partners. Rebuilding TogetherProvidence has provided these services in Rhode Island formore than 20 years.

Honeywell Hometown Solutions, company’s global citizenshipinitiative, along with leading public and non-profit institutions, isconnecting in powerful ways. Since 2003, Honeywell is a nationalsponsor for Rebuilding Together, and combined with their expert-ise, are dedicated to helping struggling families live healthier andsafer lives.

“YWCA is thrilled to have the volunteer services of these two wonderful organizations.”- Deborah Perry, President/CEO of YWCA Rhode Island

Rebuilding Together Providence andvolunteers from Honeywell Hometown Solutions

YWCA Rhode Island Fantastic Girltastic Code Company™



fantastic girltastic code company™“We Get Girls Into the Computer Sciences Pipeline”™

Dear Friend:

One of the biggest challenges in growing Rhode Island’seconomy is training, recruiting and retaining software devel-opers – of which less than 20 percent are female. The lack ofskills in the state’s labor pool, combined with the gender gap,is problematic for Rhode Island’s economy.

To educate, inspire and equip girls to pursue careers incomputer sciences, and to increase the number of RhodeIslanders qualified to fill positions in emerging technologycareers, YWCA Rhode Island, in partnership with BryantUniversity and volunteers from Amica Mutual InsuranceCompany created the Fantastic Girltastic Code Company™.

Fantastic Girltastic Code Company™ is dedicated todemystifying code through girl-centric training, access tofemale role models and mentors, and connections to localinstitutions of higher education and employers provides a systematic way for girls to participate in technology, and

participate in meaningful ways that will lead them to seek local college degrees and local careers in the computer sciences.

The program is offered afterschool, during summer vaca-tion and provides a monthly hackathon for girls and womento participate regardless of age or ability.

Please consider becoming a part of this collaboration.Donations are appreciated and will be used to purchasecomputers.

My sincere thanks,

DeborahDeborah L. PerryPresident/Chief Executive OfficerYWCA Rhode Island

We invite you to help supportFantastic Girltastic Code Company™.Your donation will assist in thepurchase of computers.

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Enclosed is a donation in the amount of:

___ $750

___ $150

___ $50

___ Other

Thank you for your kindness!

Mail to:YWCA Rhode Island514 Blackstone StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895



FANTASTIC GIRLTASTIC CODE COMPANY™is based on best practices and serves a dual purpose:

1. To get girls interested in computer sciences, and

2. To provide intensive code training connected to a system thatprovides a path between academic and professional worlds,in other words -- a pipeline.

The uniqueness of the program is its focus on across–the–boardcollaboration. We recruit girls in teams. We have a built-in, multilayeredmentoring system. And we have connections to institutions of highereducation and employers.




How Do We Get Girls Into the Computer Sciences Pipeline?

We provide access to intensive girl-centric training and connect girlsto role models, colleges, universities and industry leaders

We offer a curriculum informed by student interests

We create environments for girls

We work in groups and with peers

We provide female role models

We develop media that encourages girls to explore computer sciences




Anticipated short-term measurable impacts include:

Increase in the number of young women involved in design anddevelopment of technology

Increase in the number of young women enrolled in computer sciencemajors at local colleges and universities

Creation of a pipeline of talent to fill positions in technology-drivensectors in Rhode Island.

Anticipated long-term impacts include:

Increase statewide economic growth

Diversification of Rhode Island’s workforce

Enhanced business performance and innovation


Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE

PAID327

Woonsocket, RI

YWCA Rhode Island514 Blackstone StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895T: 401-769-7450www.ywcari.org

sheshines.org fall 2015

Shinesshe TM

is a proud supporter ofYWCA Rhode Island

2015Women of Achievementpromoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity

Visit our Swarovski Locations at

Providence Place MallProvidence, RI

Warwick MallWarwick, RI

WWW.SWAROVSKI.COM

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