Muses of RI, 2023

Our Executive Director, Chanda Womack, and Board Member, Bobby Britto-Oliveira, have been honored with the Muse of RI 2023 Awards, as the "Disruptor through Advocacy" and "Pay it Forward" awardees respectively.

This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon them at the Best in Black Toy Drive + Muse Awards—a classy and gorgeous event where attendees adorned themselves in all black attire.

Chanda's visionary leadership has been a driving force in advancing our mission and creating positive change within our community. We're so grateful for this chance to recognize all the amazing contributions she and Bobby have made!

NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award

A heartfelt congratulations to our Program Manager, Nancy Xiong, and dedicated Youth Leader, Rachel. Their exceptional efforts in the Cook v Raimondo case, a prolonged legal battle for civic education in Providence schools – fought alongside the Center for Justice, the Providence Student Union, parents, and educators – culminated in victory. After four years of dedication and perseverance, the establishment of an official Civics Task Force marks a significant milestone in our commitment to equitable civic education, for which they were deservedly recognized with the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award this month!

Alongside them, our Executive Director was also awarded with a NASS Medallion Award for "for [ARISE's] efforts under her leadership to ensure civics education for all students in Rhode Island, as well as the creation of Gen Z Votes, a virtual campaign to promote voter registration and first-time voting."

RIKidsCount Award

At the RIKidsCount Celebration of Children's Health and Well-Being, PASS youth – as represented by our ARISE Youth Leaders below – received an award acknowledging our accomplishments in organizing for mental health resources and restorative justice practices. Much gratitude to the Providence Student Union, our invaluable collaborator in this work, and to RIKidsCount for this honor!