About Us
The RIBBA Foundation, the charitable arm of RIBBA, is dedicated to providing education and access opportunities to individuals throughout their academic and career journeys. We have developed a series of empowering programs designed to advance you to the next level in your academic or professional pursuits.
As a non-profit organization, RIBBA is committed to closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island by empowering all residents to thrive and fostering equitable opportunities for future generations. Our innovative program model is built upon key pillars of success, including financial empowerment, workforce development, business development, contracting, a learning series, capital pathways, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. Together, we strive to ensure every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to thrive!
Our Mission
Eliminate the wealth gap so all Rhode Islanders can thrive.
Our Impact
View our 2023 Annual Report, which highlights RIBBA’s positive impact and reach within our community.
Our Vision
At RIBBA, we envision a future where individuals, businesses, and communities are elevated through holistic programming that meets basic human needs while creating pathways to economic prosperity. Together, we empower and uplift, creating a brighter tomorrow for all Rhode Islanders.
Our History
In 2010, Lisa Ranglin rallied community members and local leaders to address the challenges faced by small businesses in underserved cities. Under her leadership, this dedicated group engaged in brainstorming sessions and conducted a random sampling of both individuals and businesses to identify key priorities for promoting small business initiatives. Following a comprehensive analysis of their findings, the group put forth a recommendation to establish RIBBA, aiming to create a stronger support system for entrepreneurs.
Our Pillars of Success
At RIBBA, we believe that a thriving community is built on a foundation of equitable opportunities for all. Our commitment to closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island is realized through a strategic program model anchored by our Pillars of Success.
Board of Directors
Gregory Bowman
Dean & Professor of LawRoger Williams University
Lindsey Brickle
Director, Workforce & Community PartnershipsPolaris MEP / URI Research Foundation
Ana Margarita Cabrera
Roger Williams University
Huetran Duong
Senior Americas Field Marketing Professional – PerkinElmer, Inc.
Grant Falconer
ChairDirector, Senior Program Lead – RBC Capital Markets
Sara Gilkenson
Diversity Director – Supreme Court of Rhode Island
Kristen Haffenreffer
Vice President of Philanthropy – Family Services of Rhode Island
Makeba Hardy-Thomas
Vice President, Audit Supervisor – Bank of America
Arndres Mason
Vice President of Operations – Avalon Healthcare Solutions
Sally McDonald
The Chair of the Litigation Department – Cameron & Mittleman LLP
Darrell Moore
State Conservation Engineer – USDA-NRCS
BJ Murray
Executive Vice President – Business Focus Inc.
Michael Oliver
CIO – The Claflin Company
Junior Ortega
District Executive – Centreville Bank
Cassandra Speed
Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Operations – Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Amy Walsh
Executive Director, Commercial Banking – JPMorgan Chase
Our Team
Lisa Ranglin
Malcolm Crowell
Enid Hoff
Jamee Isme
Ginay Lopes
Bethany Norman
Funmi Olowookere
Naili Orellana
Anthony Ranglin
Anthony Rao
