RIBBA & URI Announce Launch of Emerging Leaders Development Program for BIPOC Leaders
RIBBA is now accepting participants for the fall 2021 Emerging Leaders Development Program Pilot
Providence, RI – Wednesday, June 2, 2021 – Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) and its charitable arm that focuses on empowerment and training related activities – the Institute of Economic Empowerment & Development (IEED), announce the launch of the Emerging Leaders Development Program. The 6-month leadership program prepares high-performing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color) professionals for advancement into senior leadership and executive roles while raising their visibility as a force within their organization and community. The program will be delivered by RIBBA in partnership with the University of Rhode Island Office of Strategic Initiatives.
The development of this program took place over the course of two years and was accomplished through state-wide surveys, interviews, leadership program assessments, and data on the state of diversity in business. The 6-month leadership program is designed to provide BIPOC participants with the additional knowledge, leadership skills and tools that they will need to take their career to the next level. The fall 2021 pilot cohort will begin in September through February 2022 and will include in-residence training, speakers, volunteer opportunities, and mentor/sponsor opportunities. The in-residence training will be a hybrid-model and will take place at the University of Rhode Island’s Providence Campus.
“As a Black woman who has worked in corporate America for the past two decades, I know the challenges of being the only person of color in the room and the lack of career advancement support received,” said Lisa Ranglin – Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. “We’re grateful to URI for joining forces with us to take on this important program. I’m excited to be involved with the development and implementation of this pilot that will provide BIPOC emerging professionals with a blueprint to advocate for themselves and move from a supporting role into the ranks of leadership through targeted and intentional efforts designed to empower, support, and advance through all phases of their career trajectory.”
“The URI Office of Strategic Initiatives is excited to partner with the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) and the Institute of Economic Empowerment & Development (IEED) on programming for emerging BIPOC leaders. Together we will enhance participant competencies in leadership best practices, strategic thinking, leading through change and communication, all with an eye towards diversity, equity and inclusion, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and a strengths based approach.”
To participate in the program, please contact amanda@ri-bba.org or go to the Emerging Leaders Development Program page for more details on the program, logistics, and pricing.
The Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island through access to capital, contracting, business development resources, entrepreneur training, business advocacy, meaningful investor services, and workforce development.
The Institute for Economic Empowerment & Development (IEED) is the charitable arm of the Rhode Island Black Business Association. IEED provides education and access opportunities to individuals throughout their academic and career journeys.
The University of Rhode Island Office of Strategic Initiatives strengthens organizations through customized workplace trainings and initiatives and for-credit programs, which leads to a stronger, more vital economy. Our programs help businesses, professionals and students tap into the power and opportunity of the University of Rhode Island. Working with you as a partner, we get to know you and design custom programs based on your particular business needs. We function as consultants, organizational developers, coaches, trainers, curriculum designers, thought partners, strategic planners, and program evaluators. We’re there from initial consultation through implementation and evaluation of whatever plan we co-create. Let us help you succeed! For more information, please visit https://web.uri.edu/osi/.