Jul 23, 2026 RIBBA Announces 2026 Award Honorees for Annual Gala: ”Powering Progress: Transforming Communities Beyond Boundaries”
RIBBA proudly announces its highly anticipated Annual Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Kirkbrae Country Club, 197 Old River Road, Lincoln, Rhode Island. This year RIBBA is celebrating its Sweet 16! This special milestone celebration recognizes 16 years of impact, innovation, and community leadership across Rhode Island.
This year’s theme, “Powering Progress: Transforming Communities Beyond Boundaries,” celebrates the momentum RIBBA continues to build across Rhode Island’s community and beyond— recognizing the leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations driving innovation and opportunity forward. RIBBA looks ahead to the ripple effect of its work still to come as the organization expands its reach regionally.
Bristol County Savings Bank President & CEO John Silva will serve as Honorary Chair of this year’s gala, lending his leadership and long-standing commitment to the region’s economic growth to an evening dedicated to celebrating progress across the state. The evening will be emceed by Leanna Faulk of NBC 10 News.
Guests will enjoy a 6 PM cocktail hour, with doors opening to the main ballroom at 7 PM for a full evening of dinner, music, entertainment, and the presentation of this year’s awards. Attendees can look forward to meaningful connections with business leaders, corporate partners, elected officials, and community advocates in a celebratory setting that reflects RIBBA’s growing impact.
The Annual Awards Gala is a prestigious recognition program honoring outstanding individuals and organizations who exemplify leadership, professional excellence, and service to the community. Honorees are recognized for advancing Rhode Island forward, and for their lasting contributions to the state’s economic and social progress. Proceeds from the Gala directly support RIBBA’s mission, including scholarships for college-bound students, small business development initiatives, workforce readiness programs, financial literacy efforts, and pathways for career advancement.
2026 Award Honorees
- Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award
U.S. Senator Jack Reed - George T. Downing Business Leadership Award
Barbara Sokoloff – Founding Member, Sokoloff Farias Associates - Christiana Bannister Civic Leadership Award
Theresa Guzman Stokes – Executive Director, Rhode Island Black Heritage Society - Emerging Leader Award
Ty’Relle Stephens – President, Providence School Board - Isaac Rice Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Momonh Fahnbulleh – Founder, Saving Hopes Health & Wellness Center - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award
Gerald A. Fernandez – President & Founder, Multicultural Food Service & Hospitality Alliance - Change Agent Award
Kelly Nevins – CEO, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island - Partnership Award
Steven Santos – Founder, North End Outreach/ Chad Brown Alumni Association - Member of the Year Award
Lamel J. Moore – Mental Health Professional, RIBBA Emerging Leaders Development Program Graduate
Tickets & Sponsorship
Tickets for the Gala are now available, and sponsorship opportunities are open. To reserve tickets, visit ribba.org/gala. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Lisa Ranglin, CEO & President, at lisa@ribba.org or 401-465-3669.
About RIBBA
Founded in 2010, RIBBA is a driving force in Rhode Island dedicated to advancing the region’s business community while supporting the growth and development of small businesses and professionals. For over a decade, RIBBA has championed programs that empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and build lasting economic impact across the state.
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