May 27, 2025 RIBBA Seeks Nominations for Annual Awards Gala
Providence, RI – Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – RIBBA is proud to celebrate 15 years of impactful work in closing the wealth gap in Rhode Island. As a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering all residents to thrive and fostering equitable opportunities for future generations, RIBBA has continually championed community advancement and economic justice.
To mark this milestone, we are excited to announce that RIBBA is seeking nominations for its Annual Awards Gala. On Friday, November 7, 2025, we will honor the extraordinary achievements of Rhode Island’s most inspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This prestigious event is your opportunity to spotlight those who have made a remarkable impact in our community.
Nominate a deserving leader today and celebrate 15 years of excellence, commitment, and dedication to building a better Rhode Island for all!
Nominations are being accepted in nine categories:
- George T. Downing Business Leadership Award: Recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership, vision, and excellence in performance, and their willingness to serve as an inspiration to other business owners.
- Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award: Recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership and accomplishments as well as their willingness to go the extra mile to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Emerging Leader Award: Recognizes an individual for their exemplary leadership and the contributions they have made throughout Rhode Island to advance equity.
- Isaac Rice Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual for their exceptional management, entrepreneurial achievements, and dedication to impacting the community.
- Christiana Bannister Civic Leadership Award: Recognizes an individual for their decades of dedicated service, devotion, and contributions to the advancement of social and economic justice.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award: Recognizes an individual for their tenacious and unyielding commitment to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the state of Rhode Island.
- Change Agent Award: Recognizes an individual for their bold leadership and unwavering commitment in using their platform as a catalyst to transform lives throughout Rhode Island.
- Partnership Award: Recognizes an individual for their exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private, or social sector leaders and working together to deliver strategic solutions.
- Member of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and achievements in service to the RIBBA, our members, and the community.
Nominations will be accepted until June 29th. For more information or questions, please email info@ribba.org or call 401-383-1179.
About RIBBA: Founded in 2010, RIBBA is a non-profit organization, 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, learning series, capital pathways, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.