"As an Urban Education Administrator, my work was satisfying, but I was attracted to the Women's Policy Institute because I wanted to expand my knowledge of policy and advocacy, and work on higher levels systems change that would impact more young people.
In my research and advocacy project , I discovered that Rhode Island was the only state in the country without a funding formula - and so I chose to start a broad-based, statewide education reform campaign. In partnership with others, I helped launch Rhode Island is Ready in 2010.
Public meetings created by Rhode Island is Ready, along with an organized letter writing event and an advocacy day attracted wide attention from the press, member of the legislature and Commissioner Deborah Gist.
On June 22, 2010, our success was evident as the Governor signed the funding formula, passed by both the House and the Senate.
The support I gained from the Women's Policy Institute was instrumental in gaining a new position as founding Director of the Rhode Island Campaign for Achievement NOW (RI-CAN), helping me present myself with confidence during the interview process."