CRANSTON, RI – To help kickoff Women’s History Month and shine a spotlight on women who inspire and uplift fellow women and girls throughout their communities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today teamed up with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) and Rhode Island women leaders 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.

Senator Reed and WFRI CEO Kelly Nevins today convened a special Women’s History Month panel discussion – “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” – featuring women leaders in education, community resilience, housing, environmental and agricultural advocacy, finance, workforce development, and more.

“Women’s History Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on women’s contributions to every aspect of our society. I am proud to team up with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to hold this important conversation each year and expand upon our continued conversation about women clearing the path to progress and creating a sustainable future for future generations,” said Senator Reed. “Sustainability is about much more than our environment. It is about how we ensure progress continues for a more just and equal society and a more perfect union. Especially today, as the administration’s short-sighted policies threaten economic stability, upend affordable health care and housing, and make it harder for working families to thrive, we need responsible leaders who are focused on creating a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Women have always been at the forefront of this fight and will continue to be.”

“We are living in a moment where many hard-won gains feel less secure than they did a few years ago. Women’s History Month reminds us that every generation inherits unfinished work,” said Kelly Nevins, CEO of Women's Fund of Rhode Island. “While today’s event honored women advocacy leaders, it was also about how each one of us can contribute to a better RI and a better country by voting, organizing, advocating, and sharing our perspectives. We persist.”

Panelists for this discussion included Nessa Richman, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council; Erica Hammond, Legislative Director of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO; Rhonda Mitchell, Executive Director of the Newport Housing Authority; Kimberly Bright, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Rhode Island College (RIC); and Nancy Wolanski, Director for the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact.

The panelists shared their experiences and provided insights and tips on lifting up women’s voices, advancing sustainability and equality, and supporting Rhode Island women leaders.