I am thrilled to share my excitement with you for the next chapter in RICJ’s future, as I pass the torch to an extraordinary new leader.
For over 20 years as Executive Director of Rhode Island for Community and Justice, I put heart and soul into advancing our mission. I am as passionate today about creating a just and inclusive state as when I started. I am grateful for your belief in this mission and your generous support that made our achievements possible.
RICJ will continue to grow and flourish in the hands of a remarkably accomplished and dynamic new Executive Director Rose Albert. You are warmly invited to a free event Friday, May 17th from 5PM to 7PM at RICJ, hosted by our Board of Directors and youth leaders during Haitian Heritage Month, in honor of Rose’s heritage.
You already know Rose as our Director of Youth Programs since 2018. She’s had a remarkable journey, from a determined young immigrant navigating a new country, to a passionate advocate for justice and inclusion leading a prominent nonprofit. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of youth programs in shaping future leaders.
I first met Rose at Project RESPECT youth leadership camp when she was 16. Rose’s family had come from Haiti and she faced an unfamiliar new language and culture, yet she joined this week-long camp where teens tackle thorny issues like racism and sexism and learn to build inclusive communities. Camp illuminated in Rose a passion for justice. Throughout high school, as she became President of our Youth Action Council and Co-Director of the summer camp, we joked that Rose was “The Boss”. Little did we know, after leaving to earn her BA and MA degrees, that Rose would return and indeed become our Boss! Her passion and unwavering commitment make her the perfect leader to take RICJ to new heights.
Now as Rose takes the lead, I continue to support her for a time as an Executive Advisor, sharing lessons I’ve learned over the years. We’d like to reach out to you, to talk about the future that Rose is building.
RICJ’s impact as a small but mighty nonprofit is unparalleled, and we could not do it without your involvement. I’m deeply grateful for the generous person you are and for your commitment to justice, fairness and equity. Your support empowers youth, builds a more just state, educates about equity, creates a truly inclusive Rhode Island.
It is with gratitude, hopeful anticipation, some sadness, and the knowledge that the time is right, that I take steps away from an organization I’ve cared about so long. RICJ is on the brink of a transformative leap to unprecedented success under the leadership of its new Executive Director Rose Albert.
Please come May 17th to congratulate Rose, enjoy Haitian food with our youth, staff, Board and friends, and continue to be a part of RICJ’s journey of growth and possibility.
Warmly,
Toby
Toby Ayers, Ph.D., Executive Advisor
Director, Juvenile Justice Programs
RHODE ISLAND FOR COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE
271 North Main St, Providence RI 02903