Amazing Women Rhode Island Deborah Ruggiero

Weayonnoh Nelson Davies, executive director of Economic Progress Institute, discusses this nonpartisan research policy organization’s work to ensure economic security for low- and modest-income Rhode Island families. 

Cathryn Jamieson, a mother, grandmother, sister, and owner of a hair salon,  gets a second chance at life when her living donor, Lisa Doucet, managing director at a communications firm, donates one of her kidneys to Cathryn.  It is a compelling story about why more people could become kidney donors if they better understood the process. 

Rhode Island is home to the fourth oldest state historical society in the country, Executive director, MORGAN GREFE of the RI Historical Society, discusses some of the state’s must-see social and historical sites. She also explains the historical significance of the ‘three-deckers’ where immigrant families lived and walked to nearby factory jobs. 

KELLY NEVINS, CEO of The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, a social justice organization with the goal of improving the lives of women and girls in RI. We discuss the status of women and girls in this state, grantmaking through a gender lens, economic security, civic engagement, and why it all matters.

Sarah Anderson, CEO and Superintendent of Blackstone Valley Prep, discusses the role of charter schools - which are public schools - and how the shift in RI’s education funding formula in 2026 will impact all public schools.

Reverend REBECCA SPENCER, is the first woman to serve as senior minister at the Central Congregational Church in Providence. She discusses retirement after 35 years, raising her cows on her farm, spiritual awakening, and how to find common ground in turbulent times.