By Jane Nugent '95 | 3/16/21
Leadership, Virtually: Insights from the 2020 Virtual Transition
”Leadership, Virtually”, chronicles how leaders responded during the early crisis points of the pandemic and how LRI convened people together virtually to make connections and provide critical support.
The voices of many Rhode Islanders were represented during this uncertain time in history. Our aim was to build trust, create stability, show compassion and inspire hope – the four things followers need from leaders according to Gallup research.
Topics over the course of the nine articles published from March through May 2020 were: Leadership Rhode Island’s rapid approach to adapting to virtual reality; building community connections in a digital space; preserving democracy in a time of crisis; how nationwide leaders offer hope; place based community projects pivot to a new reality; spotlighting the helpers – those on the frontlines; building trust in uncertain times; the role of spiritual leaders in providing comfort; graduation and transitioning to a changed world.
Leading from the Front is Real
Originally Published: 3/20/20
As social distancing, self isolation, and shelter-in-place become everyday terms seemingly overnight, Leadership Rhode Island is leading one of the state’s most high-touch organizations through a virtual transition, all while never losing sight of humanity.
Building Community Connections in Digital Spaces
Originally Published: 3/27/20
As the second week of federal and state directive around Covid-19 unfolded, Leadership Rhode Island continued to fill a critical need central to its mission: supporting and convening the people of the Ocean State in new and innovative ways.
Preserving Our Democracy in the Era of Coronavirus
Originally Published: 4/3/20
In a democracy, government is “of the people, by the people, for the people,” but, in the era of Covid-19 and social distancing, Leadership Rhode Island is helping 39 cities and towns navigate how to conduct governmental business with the people.
Leadership Programs Across Nation Search for Hope
Originally Published: 4/13/20
If the efforts of all CLP’s are any indication, hope is not just an anchor in times of strife; it is an adhesive. When battling this viral enemy, sequestered in our homes and separated by at least six feet, we are strengthened by our common purpose. Alone, yes, but together in hope.
Finding Solid Ground: Pi IIs Cope, Pivot, Push Forward
Originally Published: 4/20/20
We often rely on schedules, traditions, expectations and routines to guide us. Now, stressed and strained from coronavirus disruptions, lack of stability has left many feeling stranded. This week we explore how LRI staff and class members are creating stability for themselves and others.
Accompanying Article: How the 2020 Pi II Class is Ensuring Stability
“What are you doing to ensure stability for yourself and/or others during this uncertain time?” That’s the question we posed to members of the Pi II class. Their responses reflect the vast diversity of the class itself. You’ll smile at some and learn from others.
Read the Full Story
Spotlighting the Helpers: Alumni Lead With Compassion
Originally Published: 4/27/20
Not all heroes wear capes. From acts as complex as shifting a company’s entire manufacturing strategy, to as simple and powerful as a shared song, stories of kindness and caring have emerged from all across the Leadership Rhode Island network, united by a common theme: compassion.
A Key Ingredient: Restoring Trust in a Time of Upheaval
Originally Published: 5/4/20
From the quality of the food to the skill and safety of the people providing the service, trust is an implicit part of any restaurant exchange. Amidst the pandemic, LRI alumni find that trust is a key ingredient when considering how to cope with this tragedy and eventually reopen restaurants’ doors.
Re-imagining Ritual: Spiritual Leaders Bring Light into the Darkness
Originally Published: 5/11/20
COVID-19 has disrupted life as we know it, and ritual has been one of the biggest casualties. As we self isolate to slow the spread, all manner of ways to mark life’s moments have ground to a halt. But for the families and friends of the souls who have passed, coming together is critical to healing.
CLRI graduates prepare to make waves in uncertain times
Originally Published: 5/18/20
For recent college graduates, a 25% unemployment rate is a reality that awaits once they have their diplomas in hand. 2020 CLRI class speaker Tommy Heavren, and LRI deputy director Michelle Carr look beyond this formidable obstacle, to the opportunity that awaits on the other side.
Contributors Interviewed
- Mike Ritz, LRI ‘07, Executive Director, Leadership Rhode Island
- Kimberly Conway Dumpson, LRI ‘19, Vice President for College Advancement and External Relations, Rhode Island College
- Scott Avedisian, LRI ‘97, CEO, RI Public Transit Authority
- Steve Duvel, LRI ‘12, Senior Vice President, Gilbane Building Company
- Brook Havens, LRI ‘20, , Vice President and Chief Development Officer, United Way of Rhode Island
- Topher Wilkins, Co Founder/Board Chairs, Conveners.org
- Brian Casey, LRI ‘20, President, Parisault Builders
- Catherine Taylor, Executive Director, Age Friendly RI
- Samantha Bergbauer, Coordinator, College Leadership Rhode Island
- Christopher Donovan, Communications Specialist, Leadership Rhode Island
- Abby Montine, Training Director, Leadership Rhode Island
- John Marion, LRI ‘11, Executive Director, Common Cause
- Priscilla Steenbergen, Law Department Executive Secretary, Woonsocket
- Michelle Carr, LRI ‘14, Deputy Director, Leadership Rhode Island
- Kristin Zosa Puleo, Director of Programs, Leadership Rhode Island
- Margie Power, Executive Director, San Mateo (CA) Leadership Program
- Ashley Mudd, Executive Director, Leadership Institute of Acadiana
- Kelly Ann Behrens, Program Facilitator, Leadership Akron (OH)
- Jessie Baginski, President and CEO, Leadership Lake County (OH) and Chair of the Board of the Association of Leadership Programs
- Ted Kresse, LRI ‘20, Director of Communications, National Grid
- Laura Hastings, LRI ‘20, Grant Advisor, RI Department of Labor and Training
- Justin Mandese, LRI ‘20, Owner, Reality United at Home Smart Professionals
- Giselle Mahoney, LRI ‘20, Senior Account Executive, RDW Group
- Beth Bixby, LRI ‘20, CEO, Tides Family Service
- Victoria Bernardo, LRI ‘20, Assistant Director of Stewardship, Rhode Island College
- Mary Grover, LRI ‘20, Senior Counsel, Everysource Energy
- Adam Olenn, LRI ‘20, CEO, Rustle & Spark
- Danielle Crafford, LRI ‘20, General Superintendent, Gilbane Building Company
- Siu-Li Khoe, LRI ‘20, Vice President, Business Development, RI Commerce Corporation
- Lisa Huftalen, LRI ‘20, Graphic Design/Marketing Manager, VIBCO
- Cailin Chaffee, LRI ‘20, Policy Analyst, RI Coastal Resources Management
- Erica Olobri, Director, Marcum LLP
- Barnaby Evans, LRI ‘95, Executive Artistic Director, WaterFire Providence
- Raquel Lynn Perez, CLRI ‘19, Oncology Nurse
- Laura Jaworski, LRI ‘18, Executive Director, House of Hope Community Development Corporation
- Dale Venturni, LRI ‘88, President and CEO, RI Hospitality ASsociation and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation
- Paul O’Reilly, LRI ‘95, President and CEO, Newport Restaurant Group
- Mike Riordan, LRI ‘18, Navy Commander, Newport Naval War College
- Sanjiv Dhar, Owner, Multiple Restaurants in Greater Providence
- Sterling Clinton Spellman, LRI ‘19, Founder and Owner, The Incred-A-Bowl Food Company
- Kazu Kondo, Restaurant Owner, Wara Wara, Tori Tomo
- Brian Oakley, Restaurant Owner, Julian’s
- Jennifer Luxmoore, LRI ‘10, Coffee Shop and Custom Desserts, Owner, Sin
- Kevin Kazarian, LRI ‘16, Director of Food and Beverage, Spumoni’s of Pawtucket
- Jane Nugent, LRI ‘95, Project Advisor, Leadership Rhode Island
- Rev. Linda Watkins, LRI ‘09, First Baptist Church, Pawtucket
- Imam Farid Ansari, LRI ‘11, Local Islamic Leader
- Rabbit Peter Stein, LRI ‘11, Temple B’rith Kodesh, NY
- Sister Mary Reilly, LRI ‘91, Founder, Sophia Academy
- Chief Ray “Two Hawks” Watson, LRI ‘15, Local Native American Indian Leader
- Tommy Heavren, CLRI ‘20, Masters Degree Candidate, Boston College School of Social Work
- Scott Seaback, LRI ‘14, President, RI Temps
- Natalia Lara, LRI ‘20, Employer Engagement, Opportunity@work
Those Cited in the Stories
- Ted Kresse, LRI ‘20, Director of Communications, National Grid
- Laura Hastings, LRI ‘20, Grant Advisor, RI Department of Labor and Training
- Justin Mandese, LRI ‘20, Owner, Reality United at Home Smart Professionals
- Giselle Mahoney, LRI ‘20, Senior Account Executive, RDW Group
- Beth Bixby, LRI ‘20, CEO, Tides Family Service
- Victoria Bernardo, LRI ‘20, Assistant Director of Stewardship, Rhode Island College
- Mary Grover, LRI ‘20, Senior Counsel, Everysource Energy
- Adam Olenn, LRI ‘20, CEO, Rustle & Spark
- Danielle Crafford, LRI ‘20, General Superintendent, Gilbane Building Company
- Siu-Li Khoe, LRI ‘20, Vice President, Business Development, RI Commerce Corporation
- Lisa Huftalen, LRI ‘20, Graphic Design/Marketing Manager, VIBCO
- Cailin Chaffee, LRI ‘20, Policy Analyst, RI Coastal Resources Management
- Cortney Nicolato, LRI ‘19, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
- Neil Steinberg, LRI ‘91, President and CEO, Rhode Island Foundation
- Jim Nellis, LRI ‘13, Founder, RI Food Fights
- Chris Wietecha, Owner, Providence Bagel
- Robin Dionne, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Health Source RI
- Jeremy Howard, LRI ‘19, Principal, Velotec Sports
- Pete Rumsey, LRI ‘19, Director, RI Innovation Campus
- Marc Streisand, LRI ‘16, Owner, Marc Allen Fine Clothiers
- Bret Jacobs CLRI ‘15, Deputy Director of Policy, Mayor’s Office/Providence
- Bradley J VanDerStad, CLRI ‘14, Executive Director, Pinwheel Tourism
- Jenica Reed Conley, LRI ‘16, Communications, RI Housing
- Ray Nunez, CLRI ‘15 and Taryn Hann Nunez, CLRI ‘17, The Nunez Co.
- Ting, LRI ‘15, and Ian Barnard, LRI ‘17, Barnard Photography and Family Foundation
- Joe Graziano, CLRI ‘07, Information Specialist, RI Office, Secretary of State
- Andrew Henry Kamara ’19, Logistics & Distribution Manager, Edesia Nutrition
- Krissy DeShetler, Senior Manager, Outreach and Initiatives, Leadership Pittsburgh
- Bernhard Heider, Managing Director, Leadership Berlin, Germany
- Barbara Boone, Executive Director, Leadership Tallahassee
- Tamara Myers, Program Manager, Leadership Tomorrow in Seattle
- Jess Cronauer, Program Director, Leadership Wilkes-Barre
- Mandy Sliver, Assistant Director, Leadership New Hampshire
- Robin McIntosh, Program Facilitator, Midcoast Leadership Academy in Maine
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Leadership, Virtually: Working alongside the talented and exceptionally versatile Leadership Rhode Island team on this initiative is an alumnae team with expertise in journalism, communication, digital technology, and nonprofit excellence. They are charged with chronicling this time of bringing people together virtually to make connections and offer critical support.
Luann Edwards, LRI ’19, is founder of Socially Professional, a social media marketing consultancy. You’ll find her at the intersection of communication and technology, where some of the most meaningful connections are happening. As a strategist, she meets a challenge with a plan and tenacity. She’s grateful to be a small part of the leadership that our state, and Leadership Rhode Island, is bringing to this unprecedented time.
Strategic | Learner | Context | Connectedness | Input
Jane Nugent, Ed.D. LRI ‘95, nonprofit professional in RI since 1982, believes in the power of nonprofit organizations to be the key problem solvers for society. She has witnessed the power of Rhode Island community based groups provide the greatest good for the greatest number over a long period of time. She has worked with many groups in the state and knows that this time will be no different than difficult times past — they will rise to the occasion and lead the way.
Learner | Analytical | Individualization | Relator | Achiever
Ashley Rappa, LRI’19, founder of Human Writes Consulting and Director of Marketing & Communication at Lincoln School, is a writer at heart and a Rhode Islander by choice. At her best, she believes in the power of words to elevate our lives, and the deep beauty of human connection. At her worst, she still believes that, but likely needs more coffee.
Input | WOO | Communication | Empathy | Positivity
Carol Young, LRI ’92, After 45 fabulous years at the Providence Journal, she bid adieu to the Fourth Estate. Ten years later, she still has printer’s ink in her blood and welcomes opportunities to work with writers while keeping her editing skills sharp.
Harmony | Achiever | Learner | Communication | Significance