Announcing the Honorees: 2023 Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon

Leadership Rhode Island’s signature annual luncheon, the 2023 Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon, will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Providence Marriott Hotel, located at 1 Orms Street in Providence.

Since 1981, Leadership Rhode Island has engaged and connected people through shared experiences that positively transform individuals, organizations and communities. This year, we’re proud to celebrate and recognize alumni and community members that have contributed to nearly 40 years of our organization’s development and success.

 

LRI Volunteer Award  – Paul Oliveira LRI ’07

The LRI Volunteer Award recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions to Leadership Rhode Island including committee work, board service, fundraising, or program assistance.

 

During his nine years of service on LRI’s Board of Governors, Paul Oliveira led LRI through a key period of organizational foundation building which poised LRI for growth and expansion. Under his leadership as Board Chair, LRI updated the mission and vision to be more inclusive and reflective of LRI today, engaged an alumni advisory cabinet, and expanded College Leadership Rhode Island programming to a full academic year.

 

 

Community Service Award  –  Deb Imondi LRI ’88

The Community Service Award recognizes an outstanding individual in our state whose extraordinary vision, commitment and leadership have made a significant impact upon our community.

 

Deb Imondi began her decades of service to the broader RI community in 1988, when she graduated from the LRI Core Program. She currently serves on more than 10 committees and boards with organizations including the RI 4-H Club Foundation, the URI Foundation, House of Hope CDC, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, Meeting Street, and Trinity Repertory Company.

 

 

Emerging Leader Award – Mariam Kaba

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes an outstanding young person whose vision, dedication, and leadership qualities have inspired others to take action to create community change in RI. 

 

Mariam Kaba, a 17-year-old junior at the Career and Technical Center at Woonsocket High School, is the first-ever winner of Papitto Opportunity Connection’s Transform Rhode Island Scholarship. Mariam is mobilizing community members and organizations to implement her vision which includes job aid, educational supports for young people of color, and “Restoring the Village” of Woonsocket through dedicated community activities.