People

URI receives $500K grant from Champlin Foundation to buy tech, equipment

Education 12/05/2025

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The University of Rhode Island has received a $500,000 grant from The Champlin Foundation to purchase equipment and technology that will...

PLAYING NOW: Alex Whitney is director of operations at Jane Pickens Theater in Newport, a location that first started showing films in the 1920s and continues to operate in part because of the mix of events that take place there, such as a recent “Remembering Robert Redford” film series.  PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

At small local theaters, the plot still thickens

Art & Culture 12/05/2025

For almost as long as the concept of a modern movie theater has existed, Jane Pickens Theater LLC has been drawing filmgoers. “Someone’s been showing...

ELISHA Project director awarded Murray Family Prize for Community Enrichment

In Their Own Words 12/05/2025

GEORGE ORTIZ, co-founder and executive director of The ELISHA Project, has been awarded the 2025 Murray Family Prize for Community Enrichment by the Rhode...

Milagro Sique / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Five Questions With: Milagro Sique

5Q 12/05/2025

Milagro Sique | Interim executive director, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island 1. How has federal funding affected Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island?...

DAIP, future of equity at risk

Commentary 12/05/2025

For more than 15 years, Diversity & Inclusion Professionals Inc. has been Rhode Island’s statewide anchor for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We’ve been...

ALL SMILES: Medical assistants, from left, Dennis Tai, Jazmine de la Cruz and Lia Brito share a laugh at the Rhode Island Free Clinic in Providence, which has restructured its workforce to bring in new roles and create advancement opportunities. PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Everyone deserves access to health care

Health Services 12/05/2025

PBN 2025 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARDS Health Care (MidSize Company): Rhode Island Free Clinic Rhode Island Free Clinic, based in Providence, focuses on providing comprehensive...

THE SPARK: Juan Wilson Jr., founder and CEO of The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island in Providence, says he was inspired by the work of his cousin, civil rights activist and philanthropist Michael S. Van Leesten, to form the organization to encourage philanthropy and engagement among communities of color. PBN PHOTO/TRACY JENKINS

Elevating Black philanthropy

Health Services 12/05/2025

PBN 2025 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARDS Not-for-profit: The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island was formed four years ago in...

SHINING A LIGHT: The Pawtucket Commerce Department’s “52 in 52” marketing campaign, in which it used social media to highlight a small business each week for a year, brought awareness to many businesses that had little to no social media presence. Department members pictured, standing from left, are interns Isiah Gois and Justin DeCosta, along with Commerce Director Jason Pezzullo; and, sitting from left, are Deputy Director of Commerce Sandra Mazo and Cultural Affairs Coordinator Jennifer Kilsey. COURTESY CITY OF PAWTUCKET

Diversity attracts new business to Pawtucket

Health Services 12/05/2025

PBN 2025 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARDS Government/City: Pawtucket Commerce Department “Connect With Us” is a consistent message running through communications in the city of Pawtucket....

PROVIDING PERSPECTIVE: Amica Mutual Insurance Co. employees participate in a Courageous Conversation panel focused on mentorship from the mentee’s perspective. Pictured, from left, are Senior Assistant Vice President Shameem Awan, Crismel Calderon, Manisha Biyani, Amanda Viera, Chris Figueroa and Brittany Martinez. COURTESY AMICA MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.

Empathy is the key to success at Amica

Health Services 12/05/2025

PBN 2025 DIVERSITY EQUITY & INCLUSION AWARDS Professional Services (Financial): Amica Mutual Insurance Co. At Amica MUTUAL Insurance Co., diversity, equity and inclusion are ingrained in...