Leadership Rhode Island

Another meaningful evening around the table. ✨

Leadership Rhode Island welcomed alumni from across sectors and generations for our latest Bread & Salt Dinner at the University Club in Providence.

Bread & Salt Dinners are designed to create space for thoughtful conversation, reflection, and connection in a smaller and more intentional setting. Through shared stories and honest dialogue, these evenings remind us of the value of listening, vulnerability, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and engaging conversation around this year’s theme, “Hope: Our Response-Ability.”

Last week, the Senior Fellows dove more deeply into understanding the landscape of healthy aging and started to see areas where older adult voices are being considered or should be considered.

Through conversation and shared experiences, Fellows discussed:

-What volunteers gain from serving

-Where Rhode Island communities need support most

-How to find a volunteer role that aligns with your values and strengths

-Ways to begin serving safely, sustainably, and meaningfully

One of the biggest takeaways from the week: small, steady actions can strengthen an entire community. We are proud to see our Fellows continuing to lead through service, connection, and civic engagement.

Special thank you to our guests for the insightful Lightning Chats on Health, Autonomy, & Transportation.

Cathy Andreozzi, TORI LYNN ANDREOZZI FOUNDATION
Christopher Durand, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
Amanda Cantrell (CLRI 2009), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM
CJ Paliotta (2025 Propel), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RIDEM

Last Tuesday marked Week 2 of Senior Fellows, centered on exploring:

💭 What does it mean to create an Age-Friendly Community?

Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about life experiences and aging, health and well-being, social connection, housing and environment, and purpose and identity — all essential to building communities where people of all ages can thrive.

Thank you to our special guests for sharing insights on Rhode Island’s healthy aging landscape:

-Caroline Dillon, The Village Common of Rhode Island
-James Connell, Age-Friendly Rhode Island
-Meghan Grady, Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Chairperson of the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Commission