Efforts to support women, provide leadership to be marked by YWCA

THE 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT program will highlight the work of 13 women and one organization at a Sept. 30 luncheon in Lincoln.
THE 10TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT program will highlight the work of 13 women and one organization at a Sept. 30 luncheon in Lincoln.

PROVIDENCE – YWCA Rhode Island will recognize 13 women and one organization during the 10th annual Women of Achievement event on Sept. 30.
This annual awards event recognizes women for their exceptional leadership or mentorship skills, as well as for breaking down old barriers and invoking positive change within an industry or culture.
Many of the women honored this year played instrumental roles in founding nonprofit organizations such as Opportunities Unlimited Inc., the NAACP Youth Council, the Rhode Island Black Business Association, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Rhode Island Donation Exchange. Others demonstrated their commitment to the community through decades of service work, as well as involvement at charitable organizations.
The National Association of Women in Construction No. 1 Rhode Island, Chapter 52 will be honored for providing women with professional development opportunities such as education, leadership training and networking. The NAWIC also has worked to engage young women’s interest in the industry through construction career days, a CAD Design/Drafting competition and a block building competition for children in grades 1-6. The NAWIC is an international organization founded in 1961.
Deborah L. Perry, president and CEO of YWCA Rhode Island, will present the awards and Deborah Ruggiero, host of the radio program, “Amazing Women,” will be the emcee for the awards luncheon.
The 13 women scheduled to be honored at the 10th annual Women of Achievement event are:

  • Haiganush R. Bedrosian, chief judge, R.I. Family Court
  • Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
  • Lisa Ranglin, vice president, Bank of America, founder and president, Rhode Island Black Business Association
  • Toby Simon, initial director, Gertrude Hochberg Women’s Center, Bryant University
  • Cathy Clasper-Torch, musician
  • Jeanne Gattegno, former president and CEO of Westbay Community Action
  • Sally Lapides, president and CEO of Residential Properties Ltd.
  • Linda N. Ward, co-founder and executive director of Opportunities Unlimited Inc.
  • Leah Williams Metts, director of community outreach and parental engagement, OIC of Rhode Island
  • Sierra Barter, co-founder and president of PVD Lady Project
  • Janet Pichardo, director of family and community engagement, Providence School Department
  • Donna Montaquila, director, The HeatSmart Campaign
  • Marie Ghazal, CEO of the Rhode Island Free Clinic

The awards luncheon will take place on Sept. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kirkbae Country Club in Lincoln. Tickets are $50 per person. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $500. Reservations must be made by Sept. 12. For more information or to register, visit www.womenofachievementri.org.

No posts to display