Rhode Island
2024 National APSE Board Nominee: Kie O'Donnell, RI – Association of People Supporting Employment First
2024 National APSE Board of Directors At-Large Candidate
MEET THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL APSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: CLICK to read about all nominees before the election ends on March 22.
The area(s) that best represents your current position/experience:
Family Member of a Person with a Disability, Service Provider or Manager, University Staff, Other: Consultant
Describe your history/nature of involvement/interest in promoting competitive integrated employment in your state. Additionally, explain why you are passionate about competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities:
This is what I was born to do. “In the days before daycare” I would go with my mother who worked in a Sheltered Workshop and learn first-hand the realities of where people with disabilities were at the time. It has been a profound honor and experience to also help lead the successful transition of one of the largest workshops in Rhode Island, and the cultural movement that is still very much occurring in my state. Having the pleasure to serve my community for over 20 years in a variety of capacities including direct support, advocate, instructor, consultant and leader has been what continues to propel me to seek the best and challenge myself “to be better than the me of yesterday”. APSE has very much been a power source to fuel this personal and professional development, and I am grateful for the amazing people I have had the chance to collaborate with within Rhode Island and beyond. Having served on the State Chapter and National Boards only makes me want to dig deeper and explore how I can continue and strive to make a difference. Let’s build brave spaces together.
What relevance does/should APSE and its chapters/members have in national and state conversations regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion?
There is great urgency and value in recognizing the intersectionality and impact of ongoing actions to elevate the inclusion of people with disabilities in the context of civil rights and social justice. Disability continues to be the one marginalized population that is also present among all other historically-excluded groups. With that said, there is more work to be done than to celebrate, and we as an organization and stakeholders have a responsibility to continue to advance and revisit these opportunities to challenge ourselves and others. This is not a “training”, it’s a movement.
What skills, knowledge, or lived experience do you have that will contribute to strengthening and growing the financial health of APSE and promoting its mission to advance employment and self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities?
The power of network. As people possess varying types of capital, Social Capital is an area that I work hard to build, and even harder to maintain. In turn, when you develop alliances and bonds with those that can offer a plethora of other types of capital, there is an offer, not an ask needed to help contribute towards a cause people believe in. Similar to my experience in career development and working with businesses, understanding the potential for ongoing partnerships can many times advance more sustainable opportunities for collaboration than cookie-cutter donation approaches. By weaving such relationships and resources together, can leverage possibilities that everyone finds value in and improve the bottom line.
Biography
Kiernan “Kie” O’Donnell was raised by a community resource advocate in a family that includes people with disabilities and learned the importance and power of inclusion at an early age. Such life lessons and relationships helped propel his professional career where he began working in a direct support capacity as a job coach, and through 17 years of dedication and teambuilding now heads a number of initiatives at The Fogarty Center as the Director of Community Day, Youth in Transition and Employment Services. Most widely known for his work in the documentary film by Dan Habib “Intelligent Lives”, Kie has strived to make transition towards a more equitable future a reality for those he serves, and helped lead a successful closure of one of the largest sheltered workshops in Rhode Island. Throughout his journey, Kie has provided direct support, leadership, strategic planning, training, consultation and technical assistance nationally in a variety of capacities including community, competitive inclusive employment, youth in transition, transportation, technology, funding and organizational transformation. Living in the city of Providence for twenty years, values the importance of diversity, which has informed his practice and ethics greatly. A longtime community advocate, Kie helped establish the Rhode Island chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (RIAPSE) where he holds the role of Co-President, and functions as the Delegates Chair for the National APSE Board of Directors. As an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) instructor and consultant through the NEON grants, Kie has influenced a number of emerging professionals in Rhode Island and nationally through his passion and expertise, namely around customized employment strategies and using a business-friendly approach towards creative workforce solutions. Kie also serves on the Team ASTRO board helping inform strategy and resource application for at-risk youth in the greater Pawtucket area. Kie is a proud father to his wonderful Kieragh and currently lives in Exeter, Rhode Island where he hones his 28 plus year calling as a hip hop artist in The Components, motorcycle enthusiast, SDONKERS scooter club member and unapologetic advocate. “One’s leadership is measured by the leadership you cultivate in others”.
2026 Day of Portugal Festival and Parade dates, lineup and more
Rhode Island’s Day of Portugal — June 5-7 in Providence: live music, food, dance & family fun; parade
Maria João “MJ” Albuquerque Martins and John Furtado will serve as the grand marshals of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade.
Martins, a longtime RI Day of Portugal volunteer, will be recognized for “her lifelong dedication to preserving and uplifting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Furtado will be recognized for his “lifelong dedication to volunteerism, cultural preservation, and service to the Portuguese‑American community.”
“This year we honor two of the most humble and hardworking individuals who have supported not only RI Day of Portugal, but many Portuguese organizations across Rhode Island,” said James Ferreira, president of the RI Day of Portugal Committee.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves, the ones in the kitchen, cleaning up, setting up, and making things happen,” he added. “They represent the true spirit of service and community, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication.”
The 49th Annual Rhode Island Day of Portugal Parade will step off Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. from the Rhode Island State House. It will proceed to Smith Street Terrace, Canal Street, Memorial Boulevard and South Water Street, and end at 195 District Park.
From Clube Juventude Lusitana to RI Day of Portugal, Martins’ leadership, cultural preservation and community impact
Martins, a native of Maputo, Mozambique, has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Portuguese culture in Rhode Island through leadership, education and the arts.
“Maria João’s lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community pride embodies the spirit of Portugal — resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition,” according to RI Day of Portugal officials.
Martins joined the Clube Juventude Lusitana at age seven, later mentoring students and strengthening its cultural programs.
After studying at the University of Coimbra, she returned to Rhode Island and served the organization in multiple roles, including secretary, public relations officer and interim director of its Portuguese school, where she led a successful transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recognized photographer, Maria João has earned several awards, including honors from the Pawtucket Annual Mayor’s Calendar.
For more than 15 years, she has volunteered with the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, serving as art and culture coordinator and organizing exhibits across the state. Her 2025 exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket marked the first presentation of Portuguese history and culture at the Smithsonian-affiliated site.
Martins said she was grateful and honored to serve as grand marshal.
“Thank you to the RI Day of Portugal directors, members, and the community for this meaningful recognition,” Martins said. “Let us continue to stay united through our roots and traditions, preserving our heritage for future generations.”
Furtado honored for ‘quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action’
Born in Pawtucket, Furtado has spent more than 40 years dedicated to community service and preserving Portuguese traditions in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
“Those who know him speak of a man with a big heart, a gentle spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and traditions he serves,” RI Day of Portugal officials said, noting that he has never sought recognition for his efforts.
“His service has always been rooted in sincerity and a genuine desire to give back,” they added. “His lifelong commitment to service reflects the very best of our community — quiet dedication, cultural pride, and a heart that leads through action.”
A second-generation Portuguese American, Furtado began volunteering at age 15 at churches and cultural organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Rhode Island and the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England in Fall River.
He has also supported several Portuguese clubs, including the Pawtucket Social Club and Clube Juventude Lusitana, earning a reputation for reliability and quiet dedication.
In addition to his volunteer work, the Lincoln High School graduate built a lifelong career in construction, starting at age 16.
“Thank you to RI Day of Portugal, and thank you to the community,” said Furtado after learning he would be co-grand marshal of the 2026 RI Day of Portugal Parade. “I’m grateful to be part of your families, and I hope our culture continues to grow for generations to come.”
BRISTOL, R.I. (WJAR) — A bill that puts restrictions on self-checkout lanes is headed to the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
The legislation would require grocery stores to have one staffed checkout lane for every three self-checkouts.
The bill was passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 21.
Senate President Valarie Lawson said it is to help cashiers, as well as customers who may struggle with checking out their groceries, and Rep. Megan Cotter said the bill is about both cashier and customer protection.
Coastal ABC’s Cate Hanewich spoke with customers about the bill. (WJAR)
However, Scott Bromberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association, sees the bill in a different way.
Bromberg said he does not want limitations on self-checkout, and that consumers want the fast-shopping experience that self-checkout has to offer.
“The way modern consumers shop has changed, and they want a faster checkout,” he said.
However, Cotter claims that consumers want staffed registers.
Bristol resident Alan Gorbutt agrees and said he does not like self-checkout.
“I like the old-fashioned way. Just go to the regular checkout, seeing the regular lady with the happy smile. I get my groceries that way,” Gorbutt said.
Shopper Christine Auserwald said she will go between the two options but has a preference.
“I prefer manual checkout, but if the lines are too long, I do go to self-checkout,” Auserwald said.
Other customers said they only use self-checkout.
“More convenient, I’m mostly, in and out,” one shopper said.
Bromberg also voiced concern that the bill only limits grocery stores.
Customers using the self-checkout lanes. (WJAR)
“Right now, self-checkout is everywhere you can think of. It’s in hardware stores. It’s in pharmacies, dollars stores, craft stores, discount stores. And we just don’t understand why it only applies to grocery stores,” Bromberg said.
However, Cotter said the bill also includes retail stores Target and Walmart.
If passed, Rhode Island would be the first state in the country to have a statewide restriction on self-checkout.
COVENTRY, RI — Coventry area Kent County arrests in the RI Trooper Log May 18- 30 involved charges for possession of a stolen vehicle and fentanyl possession.
Here are the basics on those RI State Police Kent County arrests and Kent County arrests:
Kent County Arrests May 18 – 30
Stolen vehicle On Wednesday, May 27, at 2:04 p.m., troopers arrested Miriam Ndemba, 26, of 147 Devonshire Street, Providence Rhode Island, on an Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Vehicle Theft, originating out of the Providence Police Department. The arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Route 95 in the Town of West Greenwich. The subject was transported to the State Police Hope Valley Barracks where she was processed and later turned over to the Providence Police Department.
Missed Court, Weapons Charge On Thursday May 28, 2026, at 10:52 p.m., troopers arrested Joshua Harrington, 19, of 9 Bunny Trail, Hope, Rhode Island, for a Third Division District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pretrial Conference on the original charge of Weapons Other Than Firearms, originating out of the Coventry Police Department.
This arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Cowesett Avenue in the Town of West Warwick. Harrington was processed at the Hope Valley Barracks and turned over to the Adult Correctional Institutions Men’s Intake Center.
Fentanyl Possession On Friday May 29, at 10:32 p.m., troopers arrested Victoria Barrett, 33 of 981 Main St., West Warwick, Rhode Island, for 1.) Possession of Schedule I to V Controlled Substance – Less than 10 Grams (Fentanyl) and 2.) Affidavit and Arrest Warrant for Possession of Schedule I to V Controlled Substance, originating out of the Rhode Island State Police – Lincoln Woods Barracks. This arrest was the result of a Barracks investigation by Seargent O’Donnell and Troopers subsequently taking Barrett into custody at her residence. Barrett was processed at State Police Headquarters, arraigned by the Justice of the Peace, and transported to the Adult Correctional Institutions – Women’s Intake Center.
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