Women's Fund of Rhode Island Celebrates 25 Years and Announces 2026 Women Leading Change Honorees
PROVIDENCE, RI — On September 23, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) will be hosting its annual Women Leading Change (WLC) Celebration, their premier event celebrating leaders in gender equity in Rhode Island. This year, the organization is also celebrating their 25th anniversary and the advancements it has accomplished since 2001.
The WFRI staff and board invite all to attend WLC at Bally’s Twin River, Lincoln on September 23 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Tickets cost $175 and include a sit-down dinner.
WLC is an opportunity to recognize and honor local community leaders for outstanding work in gender equity. The recipients of this year's awards will be:
● Amy Romero, who will receive the Simone Joyaux Leadership Award, named after WFRI’s founder and given to a person who has made outstanding contributions through their leadership in community service to help make Rhode Island a state free of gender bias and where social justice exists for all. A graduate of Providence Public Schools, Amy Romero is Chief Legal Counsel for the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island, where she leads efforts to provide pro bono legal support to individuals and nonprofits across the state. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of public interest and public service roles, including Assistant United States Attorney for Rhode Island, legal services attorney, and domestic violence advocate. She is currently a Visiting Fellow at Northeastern Law’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration.
● Representative Julie Casimiro will receive the Susan Farmer Advocacy Award, named after Rhode Island’s first female, statewide office-holder (Secretary of State in 1983). It recognizes Susan’s legacy of public policy and advocacy to advance women’s participation, representation, and leadership in government and public policy. Since her election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Julie Casimiro has been a strong advocate for children, families, and communities across thstate. Through her leadership and legislative work, she has helped advance policies that improve the lives of Rhode Islanders.
● Beverly Wiley will receive the first ever Community Impact Award, which will be named in her honor in following years. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the mission of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island through volunteerism, leadership, and service. Honorees embody the spirit of community, generously giving their time, talent, and voice to advance gender equity and create meaningful impact across Rhode Island. A lifelong RI resident and champion for gender equity, Beverly Wiley has spent decades breaking barriers for women in sports and community leadership.
WFRI CEO, Kelly Nevins, says, “In a moment when many hard-won rights and protections are being questioned, the 2026 Women Leading Change honorees remind us that progress depends on bold leadership. Their efforts to uphold democratic principles, safeguard families, and advance civil rights reflect the resilience and courage that have always fueled social change.”
The emcees of this event will be Doreen Collins and Amy Pontes, and local entertainment will include music by The Persisters and live art from Ten31 Suffragettes. WLC also offers high-end raffle and door prize drawings, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn about work towards gender equity in Rhode Island. To date, the event has over 250 attendees and has drawn many generous sponsorships.
Among the many include:
● At the $15,000 Equity Partner Level: Landmark Medical Center
● At the $10,000 Champion Level: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island
● At the $5,000 Visionary Level: Brightstar Lottery, Cox Communications, Navigant Credit Union, The Rise Group, Inc., Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation, and USI Insurance Services
● At the $2,500 Ally Level: Bally’s Lincoln, BankNewport, Cameron & Mittleman, Citrin Cooperman, City of Pawtucket, E. Turgeon Construction Corporation, Hinckley Allen, Midland Residence, Robinson + Cole, Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, Susan Killenberg, and Withum
WFRI welcomes everyone interested in leveling the playing field for women and girls in RI to this exciting celebration. Tickets are available for purchase now. For anyone interested insponsoring this event or donating in-kind gifts to be used for raffles, please contact Deb Honor at dhonor@wfri.org.