2026 Inspiring Leaders Awards Luncheon

News

Leadership: Virtually

Leadership Programs Across Nation Search for Hope

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.
Leadership: Virtually

Finding Solid Ground: Pi IIs Cope, Pivot, Push Forward

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.
Leadership: Virtually

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.
Leadership: Virtually

Spotlighting the Helpers: Alumni Lead With Compassion

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.
Leadership: Virtually

A Key Ingredient: Restoring Trust in a Time of Upheaval

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.
Leadership: Virtually

Reimagining Ritual: Spiritual Leaders Bring Light into the Darkness

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.
Leadership: Virtually

CLRI graduates prepare to make waves in uncertain times

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.
LRI Women's Network

LRIWN: Debbie Proffitt, LRI ’16

The Leadership Rhode Island Women's Network interviewed Deborah Proffitt (LRI '16), Vice President, DoD Operations and Business Development at Purvis Systems. Her Top 5 CliftonStrengths are Positivity, Developer, Empathy, Achiever, Connectedness – 4 of the 5 are in relationship building domain.
LRI News

Announcing the 2021 Core Program Co-Chairs

Leadership Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Barry J. O’Connor Jr. (LRI '16) and Marcy Reyes (LRI '20) will serve as the the 2021 Core Program Co-Chairs.
Class Speaker Speeches

Thomas C. Baldwin’s 2020 Pi II Commencement Speech

With the waves of Narragansett Bay crashing behind him, Class Speaker Tom Baldwin rallied his class members to reflect on how they've grown through the challenges of this year, and how as a class they will continue to make a difference to each other, and throughout Rhode Island.