AMY WALSH, executive director of commercial banking in Rhode Island for JPMorgan Chace & Co., was recently awarded the Bob Cioe Award from the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce during the “Have a Ball at the Beach” event at the Galilee Beach Club in Narragansett in October. The award recognizes an individual who follows through on a vision that brings great things to the community.
What does it mean to you to be recognized with this award? I am incredibly honored. [Chamber Executive Director] Kristin Urbach told me this award is a recognition by the community and it’s the Chamber’s highest honor. I’m speechless because … to be recognized by the community I live and work in for the work that I do is really great. I feel so grateful.
In what ways did you help the community this past year, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic? The award was given for the connections that I made to businesses to employ people with special needs. It’s been incredibly hard for employers to find help. Unfortunately, people who have disabilities, whether they’re invisible or visible, are underemployed. There’s a rebalancing, in my mind, that can happen. What we have done with various state agencies is connect them with a work group and providing resources to businesses through the state in helping the companies who need people to work there. I’ve recognized the businesses that have the need and are willing to hire people who have a disability and connect them with different people in the community, whether it’s a state agency or an employer assistance program.
Which organizations did you work with to help connect businesses with those with disabilities who need employment? One is called the Business Engagement Specialist Team through the R.I. Office of Rehabilitation Services. They have spearheaded this for all the different agencies in the state. They would come in and provide businesses who need diversity and inclusion training to help folks understand how to be more sensitive to someone who may have autism or be hard of hearing or have a vision impairment. They also go all the way to make accommodations and helping with job coaching. It’s a win-win because the businesses are at a point where they need help in order to grow and continue the momentum they had going into the pandemic. To provide those who are also looking for work and an opportunity is a win for both sides.
What initiatives do you have planned to further bolster the community and the economy? I don’t have any new initiatives planned just yet. But really, it’s just being an ongoing liaison and advocate for people who don’t really have a voice or [who are] having trouble finding their voice. It’s connecting them to folks who know that they can help them. I don’t think that work is going to ever be done for me. It’s not just gender and ethnicity that is important. It’s also physical and intellectual ability. It’s important for everyone to know that everyone deserves an equal shot, regardless of how they present themselves.
