Our Board
Marion Orr, PhD, Chairperson
Frederick Lippitt Professor of Public Policy & Professor of Political Science at Brown University
Professor Orr has published seven books, and is also the author of numerous scholarly articles, essays, and reviews. Dr. Orr is an expert on American politics, urban politics, and African-American politics. He is a former chair of the governing board of the Urban Affairs Association, the world’s largest professional organization for urban scholars, researchers, and public service professionals.
Jael Lopes, Vice Chairperson
Director of Strategic Community Partnerships at Providence Public Schools
Jael is a transformational leader with proven success championing the design/development of large-scale programs/projects and governing compliance procedures. She has a commendable track record of optimizing core business processes, building/leading cross-functional teams, directing full-cycle cross-functional projects, and authoring on-boarding structures.
Olga Barsegova, CPA, Treasurer
Olga has extensive experience in public accounting, providing audit and accounting services to various organizations. Olga’s clientele include not-for-profit organizations, private foundations, small to large businesses and state and local governments. Olga works closely with her clients on financial reporting matters, evaluating internal controls and providing guidance on implementation of new accounting pronouncements. Olga is a Certified Public Accountant, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Bryant University and a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from Rhode Island College.
Phyllis Dennery, MD, Secretary
Pediatrician in Chief at Hasbro Children's Hospital
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 Baret
Naiommy Baret is a proud native of Rhode Island who immigrated to Providence from the Dominican Republic at the age of 4. As a dedicated parent to a child with unique needs, Naiommy's advocacy work focuses on supporting individuals and families facing disabilities and behavioral health challenges, guiding them through complex systems of care and educational systems while empowering them to advocate for their rights. As a proud Afro-Latina, Naiommy boasts over 12 years of experience serving and advocating for her community in various capacities. She is passionate about ensuring that all children receive the support and resources they need to thrive, and actively works to promote inclusive practices and policies. She remains dedicated to championing legislation that prioritizes children and families.
Karen Davis
Co-Founder of North Star Impact Group
Karen is purpose and results-driven, global corporate social responsibility, employee engagement, entrepreneurial, communications executive. She is changemaker known as a respected, passionate and strategic idea generator with innovative approaches, highly trusted and responsible, with expertise in partnership building, program development, fundraising and management.
Deborah Gonzalez
Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Immigration Clinic at Roger Williams University.
Deborah supervises upper class law students on representation of the indigent immigrant community in Rhode Island with asylum applications, SIJ, VAWA, U Visas, Cancellation of removal, withholding of removal, BIA appeals, before the Executive Office of Immigration Review, and appeals before the First Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as probate hearings and family court hearings in Rhode Island State courts related to immigration relief.
Luisa Murillo
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.
Gregg Perry
President, The Perry Group
Gregg Perry is a seasoned communicator who brings creative thinking, legal sensitivity and a unique perspective to clients who are facing reputation challenges. With more than 30-years’ experience Perry serves as a trusted advisor to Fortune 1000 companies; law firms; school districts; universities, leading non-profits and small businesses. Perry serves as a Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Rhode Island, and for six years served on the Executive Board of the Alumni Association of the University of Rhode Island, where he received a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science.
Tanitia Sello
Independent Consultant
James Vincent
Community Outreach Officer, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority