Stephanie Beaute is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in software development, business strategy, and non-profit leadership. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to lead large-scale projects, drive revenue growth, and foster organizational innovation. Her work in both the corporate and non-profit sectors has showcased her unique blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and passion for making a meaningful impact.

Stephanie serves as a Data Consultant for IGT, where she applies her technical expertise to enhance the company’s data systems, drive efficiency, and optimize data-driven decision-making. Her work at IGT has focused on leveraging data to drive organizational insights, streamline operations, and deliver significant business value. Her strategic approach to problem-solving has been instrumental in helping companies harness the power of their data. Stephanie’s ability to simplify complex data systems and make them accessible to non-technical stakeholders sets her apart as a consultant.

In addition to her consulting work, Stephanie is an Adjunct Professor at Nichols College, where she teaches Data Literacy. Her role as an educator is a testament to her commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others. She focuses on ensuring that students, particularly those with limited technical backgrounds, gain the skills necessary to interpret, manage, and leverage data in today’s business environment.

Charles is a seasoned finance professional with over twenty years of experience spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. His career reflects a deep commitment to financial stewardship and organizational sustainability. Charles most recently served as the Director of Finance & Administration at the SouthCoast Community Foundation. Prior to that, he held similar leadership roles at Boston Harbor Now and served as Chief Financial Officer at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative.

Throughout his nonprofit tenure, Charles has focused on the intersection of finance and mission—recognizing how sound financial management not only sustains organizations but also supports the people who power them. His expertise includes implementing efficient financial systems, improving reporting capabilities, and streamlining administrative processes to maximize organizational impact.

Dr. Dennery is Pediatrician in Chief at Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children’s Hospital. She is the Sylvia Kay Hassenfeld Professor, Chair of Pediatrics, and Professor of Pediatric Medicine at Brown University. Dr. Dennery is also Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Naiommy has a vast range of experiences in educational policy, community engagement, disability rights, restorative practices, and a strong commitment to efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Rhode Island. Naiommy is the former Program Manager at Young Voices where she supported the partnership between Young Voices, Blackstone Academy, and the RI Department of Education Multilingual Learners project. Naiommy is a parent of a son with disabilities and an active member of Parents Leading for Educational Equity (PLEE). Her challenges to enroll her son in Early Intervention was recently highlighted in USA Today. She is currently the Assistant Director of Growth Development for College Unbound. Naiommy is graduate of College Unbound and is a certified community health worker, peer recovery specialist, mental health first aide youth instructor, and trauma informed care.

Sandra C. Cano is a respected public servant and leader dedicated to advancing economic development, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships across government, industry, and academia. In 2025, Sandra was appointed as the Director of Industry and Corporate Relations at the University of Rhode Island, where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen Rhode Island’s innovation economy. In this role, she cultivates high-impact partnerships, mobilizes funding, and drives collaborative research and economic development projects aligned with the state’s priorities and URI’s academic and research strengths.

Born in Medellín, Colombia, Sandra immigrated to the U.S. in 2000, an experience that fuels her passion for expanding opportunity and representation for immigrants. She was a proud small business owner, having established a restaurant for 7th year of success. Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Economics from Bryant University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island, and executive leadership certifications from the Harvard Kennedy School. She lives in Pawtucket with her partner, James A. Diossa, and their two children, Ari Hallel and Alessandro.

Marc Lopes is a dedicated leader in the manufacturing field committed to excellence in his industry with 20 years of experience. In his role as Manager of Operations at General Dynamics Electric Boat, he is responsible for development, growth and mentorship of new leaders as well as construction of US Navy’s nuclear class submarines. He currently serves as Executive Director of TradesUp Initiative, a national nonprofit focused on increasing youth awareness and exposure to technical trade career pathways through mentorship and training. Marc Lopes also completed Leadership Rhode Island’s 2022 Sigma II cohort.

Luisa is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit field for over 30 years. She is a talented non-profit leader skilled in Administration, Management, Communications, Grant Administration and Training; and has a strong commitment to supporting transformational community programs.

Lauren Nocera is the founder of Expedition Consulting, LLC, a firm dedicated to driving equity and evidence-based practice. Lauren provides strategic consulting, coalition management, training and technical assistance, and project management. Lauren is formerly an executive with Thundermist Health Center, and pioneered initiatives like Rhode Island’s first trauma-informed health center and widespread naloxone distribution, setting new standards for healthcare. In state government roles, including as the Rhode Island Opioid Settlement Manager, he shaped equitable policies and managed diverse funding streams. Lauren was an inaugural member of the Addiction Scholars program at Georgetown University Law Center’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He also is also a proud graduate of the Boston University School of Public Health, the Rhode Island College School of Social Work, and Hampshire College.

Rev. Lauri Smalls is a founding member of PTR Ministries, which launched in October 2021. She is the pastor of the historic Union Baptist Church, New Bedford MA, becoming the first female pastor in the church’s history. She was licensed to preach in 1995 under the tutelage of Rev. Dr. Vincent L. Thompson Jr, at Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI. She was ordained as pastoral assistant in 2010 and served as transitional pastor of the church from 2019 until 2021.

Lauri is the proud mother of two adult children, Lauren (Henry) Ventura and Robert Smalls. She is the grandmother to Kai Malik Ventura. Lauri is the Executive Director of Turning The Corner Residential Programs, Vice President of M.B. Management Co. Inc., a family-owned business, located in Providence, RI. Lauri is treasurer for the Rhode Island Minister’s Alliance, board member of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, a board member of the Narragansett Council of Boy Scouts of America, President of the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Coalition of Children and Families, a founding member of the Leaders of Color program through Building Bridges Initiative and a member of the Black Leadership Institute, 2nd Cohort, through the Institute for Non-Profit Practice.

From 2013-2019, Jim served as the Compliance Officer at RIPTA where he oversaw the Equal Opportunity (EEO), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Programs (DBE) and Title VI programs. First elected in 2010, Jim served six terms as president of the NAACP Providence branch. He currently serves as the Housing Committee Chair for the NAACP New England Area Conference. He is, also, the board president of both East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP since 2004) and Providence Promise (2023). He is also a board member of Black Lives Matter RI PAC (2022-2023). Jim is a former president of the Urban League of Rhode Island (1999-2001), the Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy (CHisPA, 2011-2012). and the Rhode Island Affirmative Action Professionals (RIAAP, 2002-2015). Jim, also, is an Executive Committee member of the African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI), Cox Charities Committee, Rhode Island Equity Council, Providence African American Ambassadors Group (AAAG) and a long term member of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.