Five Cranston residents are among just 31 people statewide selected to participate in the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Leadership Initiative (ELI). The program cultivates, mentors, and seek access and opportunity for individuals who identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or multi-racial, from across sectors, to help build a pipeline of future leaders for positions of influence throughout the state. The Cranston selectees include Michael Almonte, Betty Clinton, Frances Dalomba, Jessica Knight and Dorca Paulino.

Almonte is a quality assurance manager at Lifespan Coastal Medical. Previously, he was in regulatory affairs for cancer research at the Lifespan Cancer Institute and a Quality Consultant for Hewlett Packard. Almonte earned a BS in health sciences and a BA in psychology at Rhode Island College, earned an MBA from Salve Regina University and is enrolled in the doctoral program in medical sciences and healthcare leadership at Northeastern University.

“I am humbled to be a part of this initiative of bringing awareness to the importance of diversity in positions of power. Ensuring visibility and representation of our diverse community is essential for the overall success of our state. I am looking forward to expanding my way of thinking and to apply that future knowledge in my everyday life,” said Almonte.

Clinton is Finance Director at Inspiring Minds. Previously, she worked in finance with Lutheran World Service-Liberia, Lutheran World Relief-USA, the Genesis Center, City Arts and the Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island. Clinton serves on the Board of Trustees of Trinity United Methodist Church Board and volunteers as Family Ministry Coordinator. She earned a BS in Accounting at the University of Liberia, West Africa, a certificate in human resources at Bryant University’s Executive Development Program and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting from Johnson and Wales University.

“Information and relationships are very potent tools for transformation and change. I look forward to the shared learning, and engaging and networking with this diverse group of leaders as I expand my capacity as a change agent for the equitable and just space we envision,” said Clinton.

Dalomba is a team leader and a clinical social worker at the Bradley School – Providence of Lifespan School Solutions. A licensed, independent clinical social worker, she earned a bachelor’s and a master’s in social work at Rhode Island College. Dalomba co-chairs Lifespan’s Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism & Health Equity Collaborative as well as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Community Engagement Committee sub-committee.

“I am so excited to be part of the Equity Leadership Initiative Class of 2023.  This is such a wonderful opportunity.  I look forward to meeting new people.  I hope to fine tune my skills, and learn new skills and methodology. It will be such a joy to share ideas in a think tank and learn from others who are already doing great things in our community,” said Dalomba.

Knight is an assistant regional director at the Key Program, where she oversees the operations of the organization’s residential and community based programs throughout Rhode Island. In addition, she also works as a licensed clinician at Next Step Counseling. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Rhode Island College and a master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons University.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to learning from and building relationships with other individuals as we address disparities impacting our communities,” said Knight.

Paulino is Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of Rhode Island. Previously, she was Diversity Director for the Rhode Island Supreme Court and worked for Year Up. In addition, she is a Henry Toll Fellow, received the American Society for Public Administration Equal Opportunity/Exemplary Practices Award, and is a member of U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin’s Diversity and Equality Advisory Committee and the Rhode Island Senior Human Resources Management Legislative Committee.

“Meaningful and lasting change does not happen in isolation. I look forward to engaging with other like-minded leaders who are committed to promoting equity, growing and making Rhode Island a state where all people, regardless of their protected class, feel welcomed to live and work,” said Paulino.

The year-long leadership development initiative includes monthly group work sessions, regular one-to-one coaching sessions, being matched with a mentor and networking with high-level connections across sectors.

The program is just one facet of the Rhode Island Foundation’s broad, 3-year, $8.5 million plan to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and access – with a first focus on racial equity – above and beyond its traditional yearly grant-making.

Recent work includes creating a capacity-building program to support nonprofits led by Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous or multi-racial executive directors or other decision-makers within an organization; and launching a grant program to help nonprofits create anti-racist organizational cultures.

“Addressing disparities and inequities is among our fundamental values as well as a focus across all of our work in the community. A racial equity lens is central to our decisions when it comes to allocating resources to improve health, educational success and economic security among other critical issues,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

In addition, the Foundation announced it has allocated $2 million to establish an endowment to permanently support the Equity Leadership Initiative. The Kraft Family Foundation has also recognized this unique opportunity and committed $100,000 to support current operating expenses.

“Growing opportunities for diverse leaders is something that will take sustained commitment. We are glad to see our contribution is already inspiring others to support this exciting initiative,” said Steinberg.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $98 million and awarded $76 million in grants in 2021. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.