Annual Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Awards

Each year, DAIP recognizes organizations and individuals who champion the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our community gathers each fall for our Annual Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Awards Reception to honor the winners and explore timely and DEI topics.

DAIP’s 13th Annual Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Awards are taking place on Friday, September 27th from 5:30-8:30 pm at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence, RI. 

What are we looking for in nominees?

  • Inspires a sense of belonging and support within their sphere of influence.
  • Recognizes and celebrates the presence of differences within their business, organization or community. This can mean differences in race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected status, or any number of things.
  • Creates an inclusive culture in their workplace or community by challenging inequities, barriers, and bias.
  • Empowers folks in their organization and their community to work towards the goals of diversity and inclusion.
  • (For Linda Holmes Newton Legacy Award only) In addition to the characteristics above, nominees should be a seasoned DEI leader with 20+ years of experience (formally or informally), have an impressive depth of professional and community service experience, and be seen as a role model and mentor for others.

Do you know a local organization
or individual that should be recognized?

Nomination form closes on Tuesday, August 15th.
Click here to view the nomination form questions.

Do you know a local organization or individual that should be recognized?

Fill out the nomination form below!

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2024 Award Winners

Linda Holmes Newton Legacy Award Winner:

Dr. Methodius Tuuli

Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Care New England Health System

Individual Award Winner:

Alison Bologna

TV News Anchor, WJAR; Owner & Founder, Shri Yoga

Organizational Award Winner:

Neighborhood Health Plan of RI

Pictured Above: Ruben Tejada; DEI Manager, NHPRI

CATALYST FOR CHANGE Award Winner:

Rhode Island for Community & Justice

Pictured Above: Rose Albert; Executive Director, RICJ

CATALYST FOR CHANGE Award Winner:

Millennial Rhode Island

Pictured Above: Travis Escobar; Board President & Founder, Millennial RI

EMERGING IN EQUITY Award Winner:

Councilor Miguel Sanchez

City Council Member; Providence City Council

EMERGING IN EQUITY Award Winner:

La’Juan Allen

Director of Vote16USA; Generation Citizen

EMERGING IN EQUITY Award Winner:

Aiyah Josiah-Faeduwor

Rhode island Business Lending Officer; Mill Cities Community Investments

Past Award Winners

2023 Winners:

Linda Newton Legacy Award Winner

Caroline Belisle
(Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, BCBS RI)

Individual Award Winner

Michelle Wilson
(Chief; Health Equity Institute, RIDOH)

Organizational Award Winner

Coastal 1 Credit Union

2022 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Angela Bannerman Ankoma
(Vice President, Executive Director at Rhode Island Foundation)

Organizational Award Winner

Amos House

2021 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Nina Pande (CEO of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future)

Organizational Award Winner

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

2020 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Dr. Nicole Alexander Scott (Rhode Island Department of Health)

Organizational Award Winner

Providence Promise

2019 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Ethan Huckel (Huckel Inclusive)

Organizational Award Winner

Sojourner House

2018 Winners:

Organizational Award Winner

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island

2017 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Vanessa Flores-Maldonado
(Providence Community Police Relations Act)

Organizational Award Winner

Robert A. DiMuccio (Amica Mutual Insurance Company)

2016 Winners:

Individual Award Winner

Dr. Jodi Glass (Rhode Island for Community and Justice)

Individual Award Winner

Lucy Rios (RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

Organizational Award Winner

Year Up

Kevin Matta

President

Kevin Matta  (he, him, his) is a strategic differentiator, comfortable challenging the status quo, and brings both passion and experience to ensure client success and human engagement with his brilliant ability to make connections.

Kevin’s interest in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work developed as he witnessed his parents encounter inequities and injustices while navigating the American healthcare and workplace landscape. His passion for this work continues to be strengthened by the systemic injustices people around the world continue to experience.

Kevin serves as president of DAIP’s board of directors.