She Shines - women of achievement

YWCA Northern Rhode Island recognizes outstanding women promoting solutions to improve the lives of women, girls and people of color

Fourteen women were recognized for their exceptional skills promoting solutions to improve the lives of women, girls and people of color at the 5th Annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon, held September 30 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. Deb Ruggiero served as the event emcee.

Congratulations to the 2009 award winners. YWCA Northern Rhode Island appreciates the underwriters and attendees celebrating the following Women of Achievement: Mary-Kim Arnold, Tracy C. Baran, Lisa Bergeron, Paige Clausius-Parks, Karen Feldman, Yvonne Freeman, Ana Giron, Margaret “Digit” Murphy, Nancy Rafi, Kathleen A. Taylor, Clarice L. Thompson, Valerie Tutson, Donna Walsh and Shanna Wells. For additional details, visit www.womenofachievementri.org.

event underwriters:

shining

CVS Caremark
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

sincere

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP

Susan Gershkoff, Counsellor at Law

Thundermist Health Center

smile

Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch: I’m privileged to congratulate all of the exceptional women being honored this year and am especially pleased that Ana Giron, the director of the Department of Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit, is among them. Ana is to be saluted for her leadership in delivering a multitude of services to crime victims and their families.

Leading Women of Southeastern New England: Through Lisa Bergeron's stellar work, women in our region have been inspired and empowered to enhance their leadership skills and build successful careers. This benefits each woman and her family. We at Leading Women congratulate Lisa on being recognized as a Woman of Achievement. She lives our mission and is a role model for leadership.

Rhode Island Commission on Women: There isn’t anyone who could be a stronger or more adept advocate for women than Shanna Wells, director of the Rhode Island Commission on Women. Her unbridled energy and focus have enabled her to bring together individuals and organizations to achieve a common purpose. Shanna is an effective leader, who has made a difference for women and girls in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement: On behalf of the Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement and the Rhode Island Muslim community at large, we proudly congratulate Kathleen Taylor for this prestigious award. Her courage and relentless dedication in taking a stand against domestic violence within our community have resulted in the establishment of the Healthy Families Initiative, a program created to offer anti-abuse intervention and prevention resources/services that will help foster healthier Muslim families.

RPM Voices of RI: Our Dear Clarice LaVerne Thompson: Your friends, family and community rejoice in celebrating you. Thanks for the music and culture you bring to so many lives. Love and gratitude for your being you!

The Met Center: The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center salutes Paige Clausius-Parks and all Women of Achievement. We support Paige and her work in speaking up for the equality of marginalized people and her advocacy for building the power of one's own truth and voice. Each day, The Met Center community works to educate and empower youth through relentless commitment to student-centered learning and personal growth.

Until the Violence STOPS: Providence: A volunteer organization consisting of passionate activists working to end violence against women and girls, the Providence Pussy Posse coordinates the annual Until the Violence STOPS: Providence festival each spring. Part of the international V-Day movement started by playwright Eve Ensler, we support organizations around Rhode Island that help women and girls affected by violence. Want to get involved? Log on to www.peaceprovidence.com.

sister

Oceanstate Financial Services

salute

CRM Modular Homes: Construction & Rehabilitation Inc., CRM Modular Homes, 2143 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919, (401) 339-4903, Contact: Carol O'Donnell. We are a full service construction company, building modular homes, apartment buildings, condos, as well as many other structures. We provide plans, estimates, insurance quotes and site building as well as interior and exterior finishing or remodeling. www.crmmodularhomes.com

Lefkowitz, Garfinkel, Champi & DeRienzo P.C. (LGC&D): LGC&D, a premier regional public accounting firm located in Providence offers a broad range of accounting services including tax planning, accounting, auditing and business consulting. We maintain a dynamic, flexible, and creative environment to further the development and success of our clients and our employees. We'd like to congratulate this year's award winners!
T: (401) 421-4800, www.lgcd.com

sharing

Big Sisters of Rhode Island

Opportunities Unlimited, Inc.

Rhode Island Black Storytellers

Rhode Island State Nurses Association

The University of Rhode Island

Woonsocket Prevention Coalition

in kind

CROWN TROPHY of Smithfield, plaques

Park Square Florist, Inc., corsages

Deb Ruggiero, emcee

Swarovski, gifts