THE WOMEN’S FUND OF RHODE ISLAND

Women’s Fund Welcomes New And Returning Legislators

Katherine S. Kazarian – East Providence, Pawtucket

STATE HOUSE — The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island welcomed women from the General Assembly and state and local government to a reception at the State House Wednesday.

“I am very lucky and proud to serve in the House, but I am even luckier to serve with so many incredible women,” said House Majority Whip

(D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket). “When I was first elected to the House 12 years ago, there were not that many women in the room and there certainly wasn’t as cohesive a group of women as there are today. The women in our chamber all work together to bring important issues to the forefront, study them and ultimately pass legislation to address the needs of all Rhode Islanders.”

The nonpartisan event honored veteran and newly elected women across Rhode Island government, giving them a chance to share their experiences from public service and to receive a Women’s Fund pin in a special ceremony.

Dawn Euer – Newport, Jamestown

“I am so proud to be here with you all today, to participate in this ceremony and to serve along with all of you amazing women in the General Assembly and in state and local government,” said Sen. Dawn Euer (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown). “Last year’s national election results will have profound impacts on all of us in Rhode Island, especially women, and I know women will be at the forefront of our state’s response. We’re in for a fight, but we’re going to do it together. I want this room to recognize that this is a marathon, not a sprint, so lean on the shoulders of your sisters who are fighting beside you and let them pick up the mantle when you need a rest. We know at the end of the day that we’re fighting for the same things.”

Founded in 2001, the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island works to eliminate gender inequity in the state and is a leader in the movement to improve policies that impact the lives of women and girls. Its mission is to invest in women through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships in order to build a more equitable Rhode Island.
“Empowering women means giving them the tools to shape their own destinies.

It means ensuring that their voices are heard in the boardroom, the classroom and the halls of power. It means recognizing that women are not just contributors to society but are the backbone of families, communities and economies,” said Angela Lima, policy and advocacy program director for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. “Women hold 41% of the seats in Rhode Island’s General Assembly. This is proof that when the barriers to representation are addressed and when women support one another in their aspirations we are making meaningful strides toward gender equity.”

Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester) was unable to attend but sent a representative in her place.

In addition to Whip Kazarian, Minority Leader de la Cruz and Senator Euer, the Women’s Fund also honored the following legislators who were in attendance: Senate President Pro Tempore Hannah M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), Sens. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Lori Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) and Reps. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton), Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth), June S. Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol), Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) and Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence).