PROVIDENCE – Five community leaders from varying professional backgrounds have just joined the board of Women’s Fund of Rhode Island – a passionate advocacy group of women and men working to eliminate gender bias in the state.

“We are pleased to welcome Adriana Dawson, Susan L. Farmer, Chris Fierro, Nicole Lagace, and Jeffrey Padwa to our board,” said Women’s Fund Board Chair Tina Benik.  “The board of the Women’s Fund has always been a strong asset in the organization’s work to create an equitable Rhode Island.  These individuals bring with them an exceptional track record that aligns with our work in both community involvement and commitment to social justice, and we are pleased to be working together to achieve gender equality.”

Adriana Dawson of Providence is a bilingual Business and Economic Development Executive whose experience spans over 14 years of high-level business development, strategic development, strategic planning, project management, and cultural program implementation.  Known for successfully working with culturally diverse communities, she was recently appointed State Director of the RI Small Business Development Center (RISBDC), where she leads a statewide multifaceted program and staff.  “I am honored to be joining such a distinguished and committed group of individuals and look forward to supporting the ongoing efforts of Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to continue to invest in women and girls in our community,” she said.

Susan L. Farmer of Providence, the first woman in Rhode Island elected to statewide office when she became Secretary of State in 1982, has spent decades working to further the cause of women’s issues both in politics and in the community. Said Farmer: “It is truly an honor to be selected for a position on the board of the Women’s Fund.  The Women’s Fund is making a real difference in our society and it is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to participating in this important work.” 

- Advertisement -

Woonsocket resident Chris Fierro is the current Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Review. Fierro recently served as District Director for Congressman David Cicilline and is a former member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where he served on the House Committee on Corporations, the House Committee on Municipal Government, and the House Committee on Finance.  Said Fierro: “As a feminist, father, and committed partner, I recognize and deeply value the importance of promoting gender equality and supporting economic and cultural efforts that recognize and respect women.  I want my children to live in a world where women’s ideas, efforts, and contributions are valued. To me, the Women’s Fund is the ideal place to work towards these goals.”

An expert in communications planning, Nicole Lagace is Communications Director at HousingWorks RI, where she develops messaging and outreach strategies, manages publications, and handles media relations.  Prior to her current position, Lagace served as Director of Public Relations at Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  A former board member of Girls Rock! Rhode Island, she still provides instrument instruction and volunteers with the organization. Lagace and her husband live in Providence and are raising their young daughter to recognize and challenge gender norms and social injustices of all kinds.  Said Lagace:  “Working with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island will help me set a good example for my daughter, reinforce the lessons we share with her at home, and create a better future for all young girls.” 

As Providence City Solicitor, Jeffrey Padwa is an attorney for and chief legal advisor of the Mayor, City Council and all agencies, departments, boards, and commissions.  An experienced litigator, he previously operated a successful private legal practice that specialized in issues related to elder safety.  “I have a mother, a wife, sisters, and nieces.  I do not want to watch their careers and wonder, ‘what might have been?, said Padwa.  “Women are currently not on a level playing field with men for opportunities and it is in the best interests of our society and economy to end this inequality.  I am compelled to stand up and work to rectify this injustice.” 

The new additions to the Women’s Fund board join a growing roster that includes: Kim Ahern (Providence), Suzanna Alba (Smithfield), Tina Benik (Providence), Cheryl Burrell (Providence), Liana Cassar (Barrington), Judith Ventura Enright (Riverside), Nellie Gorbea (North Kingstown), Daria Kreher (North Kingstown), Nancy Langrall (Slatersville), Arianne Lynch (Warwick), Robin Main (Jamestown), Rogean Makowski (Westerly), Neal McNamara (Providence), Frances O’Neill-Cunha (Seekonk, MA), Susan Rittscher (Providence), Chris Rooks (Providence), and Elizabeth Suever (Barrington).

To learn more about what drives each board member to get involved in the work toward an equitable Rhode Island, please visit www.wfri.org.

About Women’s Fund Of Rhode Island

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island is a group of passionate people working together to eliminate gender inequity in our state through systemic change.

As a leader in the movement to improve policies that impact women and girls in Rhode Island, the work of the Women’s Fund is focused on economic independence of women and girls, as well as their political participation and representation.

Founded in 2001, the Women’s Fund conducts research on gender inequity to inform our state and nation of the specific challenges facing RI women and girls.