Leadership Rhode Island ‘25

Represented by: Michelle Carr, Executive Director

AWARD PROFILE

Courageous Thinking and Actions
Since 1981, Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) has engaged and connected people through shared experiences that positively transform individuals, organizations and communities. LRI was founded as part of a growing nationwide movement to build community leadership programs that nurture a cadre of committed leaders at the local level. Since our founding, LRI has grown from a single leadership program into a dynamic organization fostering civic engagement, professional development, and community impact. Through leadership development programming and training services, LRI has empowered our network of over 3,000 multigenerational leaders to collaborate across differences and drive positive change statewide.

Vision and Innovation
LRI envisions a Rhode Island that is flourishing — economically, civically, and culturally — built on a foundation of ever-improving human capital whose strengths and potential we spend each day revealing and igniting. LRI continually designs and expands experiential leadership programming, interactive workforce training, and community-centered initiatives that move beyond theory into tangible application and impact. From “weaving back the civil fabric” of RI cities/towns to moving the needle for statewide workplace engagement, LRI’s transformative initiatives have been honored locally, regionally, and nationally. Our innovations to address Rhode Island’s evolving challenges and opportunities are being amplified by leaders across the country as well. LRI serves as a thought leader by continually sharing best practices for leadership development and civic engagement within the field of 1,000 community leadership programs through the Association of Leadership Programs. In 2020, LRI championed and co-founded the National Leadership Network to connect more than one million community leadership program alumni across the country to find common ground and address the most pressing needs of their communities.

Inspiring Leadership
As Executive Director, Michelle Carr – a Cuban-American and first-generation college graduate – is spearheading LRI’s efforts to foster a multigenerational cadre of leaders across our state. In the past three years, LRI has made substantial progress in expanding our programs to leaders representing all levels, lifestages, and lived experiences.

In 2023, LRI launched the Senior Fellows program – in partnership with Age Friendly Rhode Island – to lift the voices, knowledge, and vision of Rhode Islanders 62 and older. And this year, LRI will debut two new early career programs to address the evolving needs of young Rhode Islanders as they become workplace and community leaders. By investing in leaders across all lifestages, LRI is helping to build a multigenerational cohort of changemakers to shape Rhode Island’s future.

Community Mindedness
LRI’s work to foster collaboration, civic engagement, and service-oriented leadership has transformative impacts on communities statewide. Here’s how:

• Cultivating Leaders Who Serve Their Communities: Our leadership development programs empower leaders with varied lived experiences to understand Rhode Island’s challenges and actively contribute to solutions. Participants engage with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies, gaining firsthand knowledge of community needs and collaborating to create solutions.

• Strengthening Local Organizations: LRI graduates often serve on nonprofit boards, mentor emerging leaders, and support local initiatives. LRI also connects alumni with service opportunities, ensuring their leadership continues to benefit Rhode Island communities.

• Mobilizing Alumni for Impact: With a vast alumni network, LRI keeps leaders connected and engaged in community-driven efforts. Programs, volunteer opportunities, and networking events encourage lifelong service and civic participation.

Through these efforts, Leadership Rhode Island embodies a deep commitment to community-minded leadership, ensuring that Rhode Island’s leaders are not just successful individually but are also dedicated to the well-being and progress of the state as a whole.

JA Mission Moment
“This year, as part of Junior Achievement of Rhode Island and Teach For America’s Education Awareness Week, I had the opportunity to engage with Hope High School students on Proclamation Day. It was wonderful to see students participate in a mock legislative session at the Rhode Island State House, and asking great questions about engaging civically.

I was inspired by the shared commitment our organizations have to developing people’s potential and grow civic engagement. LRI alumni, who are active in various organizations across Rhode Island, volunteer on JA’s Board of Directors, Executive Council and advisory committees, thereby serving as ambassadors and supporting JA’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success. Together, and especially through Prepare RI efforts, Leadership Rhode Island and Junior Achievement of Rhode Island collectively contribute to building a robust pipeline of informed, skilled, and community-minded individuals poised to drive Rhode Island’s future success.”