Hope Is Relational

Mariam Kaba, the first-ever winner of the Papitto Opportunity Connection’s Transform RI Scholarship (TRIS), has already made a lasting impact on her hometown of Woonsocket.  A graduate of Woonsocket High School and now a student at Northeastern University, Kaba’s vision for her community centers around three priorities: Job Aid, Restoring the Village, and Education.  

Since Mariam was awarded the TRIS scholarship in 2022, Leadership Rhode Island has worked closely with her to help bring these priorities to life – guiding strategy, creating partnerships with local nonprofits and community members, and overseeing project implementation. Looking back on the 3-year initiative – which spanned from 2022 through 2025 – the range of projects and partnerships sparked by Mariam’s strong belief in her community is awe-inspiring.   

Job Aid activities connected local residents to employment opportunities across a variety of industries.  In partnership with the Woonsocket Education Center, job seekers, students, and young people participated in a series of job fairs focused on healthcare careers, postsecondary opportunities, financial literacy, and more. Jill Olson-Crowley, Staff Director at the Woonsocket Education Center reflected on the impact of the multi-year partnership: 

“In total, these collaborative efforts connected 414 students and community members with employers, apprenticeship programs, colleges, and financial educators, providing opportunities to explore career pathways, apply for jobs, and build essential financial and workforce skills. This work reflects a shared commitment to Miriam’s vision of expanding opportunity and empowering individuals through education, workforce access, and financial knowledge that supports long-term economic mobility.” 

Mariam’s vision for improving life in her community, “Restoring the Village,” yielded transformative local initiatives. In collaboration with Social Enterprise Greenhouse, 10 entrepreneurs accessed microgrants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, a total investment of $40,000 in Woonsocket businesses. And in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the Woonsocket Education Department, and the Beloved Woonsocket Workgroup, the city became the second Rhode Island community to implement a community-led “Situation Table.”  Over 60 local leaders, service providers, and public safety professionals were trained in the innovative, research-based model designed to break down silos and address complex community challenges.  

Education initiatives reached Woonsocket students of all ages through robust collaborations with local schools and nonprofit organizations. In partnership with College Visions, high school students participated in a 5-week, intensive summer program focused on college and career exploration.  Middle school students accessed weekly tutoring, mentorship, and soccer training through the expansion of the Project Goal program to Woonsocket.  And across elementary schools, students benefited from the creation of 120 classroom Calm Corners – quiet spaces to practice mindfulness and regulate their emotions – as well as more than $6,000 of new PE equipment to support social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

Gigi DiBello, Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations at the Woonsocket Education Department, reflected on the breadth of education-focused projects and the example Mariam is setting for young people: 

“Mariam is a young woman with vision, and the Transform Rhode Island Scholarship gave Mariam the tools to bring her vision to life. Through TRIS, Mariam supported college access fairs, a soccer academic enrichment program, school-based calm corners and more. Most importantly, she invited young people to think differently about their future—and she made good on her promises.”

While the TRIS partnership has formally concluded, Mariam has indeed made good on her promises to Woonsocket; the impact of her vision and leadership will continue to be felt by community members for years to come.