KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 9, 2024 – The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the racial wealth gap in Rhode Island, has announced the start of its highly anticipated Emerging Leaders Development Program for fall 2024, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training.

The program, now in its fourth year, is relying on a partnership with URI to advance the program while counting URI alumni in its ranks. The program will develop and advance the careers of young professionals already in the workforce, at businesses across the state, ranging from Amica and Blue Cross Blue Shield to Tides Family Services and Washington Trust, representing a range of fields and industries. The seven-month program is designed to empower mid- to senior-level participants living or working in Rhode Island with skills and knowledge to advance their careers.

The 30 professionals selected for this year’s cohort hail from diverse communities throughout Southern New England, including Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Lincoln, Central Falls, as well as Attleboro and Malden, Massachusetts.

This year’s program will take place at RIBBA’s new equity hub headquarters on Smith Hill in Providence. With funding from the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Real Jobs Initiative, the program is offered at no cost. Emerging Leader candidates must have at least five years of experience in their profession and hold a mid-level leadership or executive position in Rhode Island to apply for the program.

This year’s cohort, launching this October, includes URI alumni working at organizations across the state. They’ll each receive a comprehensive blueprint to accelerate their career, expand leadership and gain greater responsibility and influence within their respective industries.

Elexsis Cunningham ’13 is excited to join. A housing manager at Crossroads Rhode Island, she says she wanted to join to become a better leader: “In high school I never thought I would come this far. I didn’t even want to go to college. Here it is several years later and I have my degree and am in a management role. I’m ready to accomplish much more.”

Kaitlin (Jarvis) Carver ’11, a clinical manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield, adds, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Leaders Development Program offered by RIBBA. I believe this program is going to help me unlock another door on my journey as a woman leader. I’m excited to learn new perspectives and angles that I can apply in my current and future roles.”

URI boost

Now in its fourth year, Emerging Leaders has established itself as a pioneer program for career advancement in Rhode Island. RIBBA staff say they have partnered with URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives to elevate the program’s impact.

“This program is essential for empowering a new generation of leaders in Rhode Island’s diverse community,” says Lisa Ranglin, president and CEO of RIBBA. “With the support of our partners, we are empowering them to break through barriers and become dynamic, impactful leaders in the state.”

“The challenges and opportunities facing the Rhode Island economy demand diverse leaders,” says John Olerio, executive director of URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives. “The University of Rhode Island is thrilled to partner with RIBBA to empower these emerging changemakers with the dynamic leadership skills and strategies they will need to drive innovation and equitable economic growth across industries and communities.”

URI’s office of Strategic Initiatives, housed in Edwards Hall, connects innovation, creativity, and experimentation found at Rhode Island’s flagship research university to the Rhode Island business community and regional workforce. To learn more, visit here.

Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program.