Women of Achievement Awards

2007 Award Winners

theme – improving the lives of children and youth

Congratulations to the 2007 women of achievement recognized at the 3rd annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon. Over 240 people attended this event. YWCA Northern Rhode Island appreciated the attendees and underwriters.

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Categories:


FOUR AREAS OF GROWTH

caring: She nurtures emotional development.
Diana L. Hackney, Ph.D.

Diana HackneyDiana Hackney, president and CEO at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Rhode Island, gives wish children hope and strength to continue fighting their illnesses.

dynamo: She promotes physical development.
Denise Perry

Denise Perry
Denise Perry, program director of the emergency shelter program at Communities for People, has devoted her professional life to working with adolescent boys.

 

mindful: She cultivates intellectual development.
Marcia Ranglin-Vassell

Marcia Ranglin-Vassell

Marcia Ranglin-Vassell is the director of education and training at Urban League of Rhode Island. Her motto, education helps parents and children escape poverty.

warmhearted
: She fosters social development.
Judith Earle

Judith Earle

Judith Earle, executive director at Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, equips parents and children with the knowledge that violence does not have to be their legacy.

 

FOCUS ON FAMILY

essence: She assists families with their primary needs of food, shelter, or safety.

Karen Davis

Karen Davis

Focusing on the family, Karen Davis is the vice president at Hasbro Children’s Fund. She assists children in need worldwide and is a founding member of the Rhode Island Women Ending Hunger program.

vitality:
She strengthens families by assisting the parent/guardian with parenting skills, education, or employment.
Lisa Guillette

Lisa Guillette

Lisa Guillette, executive director at Rhode Island Foster Parents Association, provides education and other forms of support to families. Her nominator describes her as the ultimate mother.

 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

positive direction:
She represents a specific interest on behalf of children.
Elizabeth Colon
Elizabeth Colon

Elizabeth Colon, director of outreach and training at Childhood Lead Action Project, represents a specific interest expertly. She is totally committed to the cause of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in Rhode Island.

 

positive direction:
She informs the public on behalf of children.
Elizabeth Burke Bryant

Elizabeth Burke Bryant
Elizabeth Burke Bryant, executive director at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, is described as a champion of children. She provides information on children’s issues and promotes action.

 

 

charm: She creates and/or performs for an audience of children or youth.
Ghislaine Jean-Mahone

Ghislaine Jean-MahoneGhislaine Jean-Mahone, is the director and co-producer at Just a Step Productions. She is a performance artist promoting community development, empowerment, and awareness.

beneficial business: She values children as the consumer.

Hillary Salmons

Hillary Salmons

Hillary Salmons, executive director at Providence After School Alliance, has led the charge to improve the lives of middle school youth in Providence.

 

MORE FOR GIRLS DOES NOT EQUAL LESS FOR BOYS

heroine: She addresses issues unique to girls – direct service.

Pamela Martin-Mitchell

Pamela Martin-Mitchell

Pamela Martin-Mitchell is the service unit manager at Girl Scouts of Rhode Island. She helps introduce girls to the many different fields of science, math, and technologies.

heroine: She addresses issues unique to girls – program development.
Karen Gager

Karen Gager

Karen Gager, program director at Big Sisters of Rhode Island, is knowledgeable about gender-specific issues and provides this information on both a local and national level.

 

HELPING HANDS

helping hands
Maureen B. Macera, Ph.D.

Maureen MaceraThe helping hands award is presented to a special friend who represents this year’s theme of improving the lives of children and youth. Maureen Macera works with YWCA Northern Rhode Island (and other collaborators) on YWCA’s Parenting in Progress program, an alternative education program for parenting and pregnant young women. She has had a long and distinguished career in education for nearly 40 years.