CRANSTON, RI – To help kick off Women’s History Month and shine a spotlight on women who educate, inspire, and mentor fellow women and girls both in and out of the classroom, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today teamed up with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) and women educators from across the state to share experiences and provide insights and tips on lifting up women’s voices, advancing equality, and supporting the next generation of Rhode Island women leaders.

Senator Reed and WFRI CEO Kelly Nevins convened a special Women’s History Month panel discussion entitled, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” featuring women leaders in education across the entire lifespan, from child care and Head Start program to post-secondary and higher education. 

“Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect about women’s contributions to every aspect of our society.  I was proud to team up with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to hold this important conversation and talk about how we can work together to ensure that progress in the fight for equality continues,” said Senator Reed. “Many of us can recall teachers or mentors who had a positive impact of our lives, whether at school, on the job, or out in the community. Education is at the heart of our communities and helps millions of Americans gain skills that are critical for upward achievement. Today’s discussion helped us look ahead to how we can strengthen educational opportunities for women and girls in our state by inspiring more collaboration and encouraging more leaders of the future.”

“Education is essential for developing skills that are critical for the future, advancing equality, and strengthening our communities,” said WFRI CEO Kelly Nevins.  “I was glad to help convene this important discussion with Senator Reed to connect more female educators and leaders with women in our communities to discuss how we can strengthen educational opportunities in Rhode Island to advance diversity and enhance leadership abilities.”  

Panelists for this discussion included Provost Touba Ghadessi from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD); Patti DiCenso, Chair of the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education; Khadija Lewis Khan, Executive Director of Beautiful Beginnings Child Care Center; and Shannon Carroll, President & CEO of the Genesis Center. 

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The panelists discussed strategies for inspiring the next generation of Rhode Island women leaders, cultivating community collaboration, and strengthening society as a whole through education, mentorship, and leadership.

This special Women’s History Month event was hosted by WFRI and the Cranston Public Library, with help from the organizations participating in the panel discussion.