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. We have designed a series of programs to empower and advance you to the next academic or career level.
LEAP (Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway) Initiative
What is the LEAP Initiative?
The LEAP (Leadership Equity Accelerated Pathway) Initiative’s MISSION is to train and support individuals through their academic and early careers by providing well-informed programs and services that strengthen their skills and support the many complex challenges they face.
Our VISION is to develop a sustainable generation of diverse, empowered, and well-informed individuals.
The LEAP Initiative provides mentorship, financial literacy, scholarships, and skills development to young adults.
LEAP Financial Literacy 101
Financial Literacy education is an integral layer of the LEAP Initiative’s multi-layered program approach for young adults.
Money can be a scary thing, but that fear can be reduced through learning. The purpose of the LEAP Financial Literacy 101 workshop is to simplify and educate on how you can gain financial confidence and reduce the stress that comes with managing money.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
To date, RIBBA has distributed over $45,000 in post-secondary scholarships. Our recipients are typically students who have earned high honors in high school but because of financial hardships would not be able to afford a college degree.
The LEAP Initiative was created as a wrap-around service for scholarship recipients. All scholarship recipients are encouraged to participate in LEAP programs.
Emerging Leaders Development Program
What is the Emerging Leaders Development Program?
In response to the insufficient representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color) professionals in senior leadership and senior executive positions in the state of Rhode Island, RIBBA, has developed the IEED (Institute for Economic Empowerment and Development ) Emerging Leaders Development Program. This 6-month program is designed to provide participants with the additional knowledge, skills and tools that they will need to take their career to the next level.
Participants will learn effective ways to lead, discover their authentic leadership values, and find out how to continuously manage their career trajectory. The Emerging Leaders Development Program prepares high-performing BIPOC professionals for advancement into senior leadership and executive roles while raising their visibility as a force within their organization.
The Emerging Leaders Program will launch in September 2021.
Find out how to participate or support IEED’s initiatives and programs.
Rhode Island Black Business Association
3 Regency Plaza, Suite 3, Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 383-1179 | Fax: (401) 383-5366
IEED Programs Copyright © 2023 Rhode Island Black Business Association