May 2, 2025 Pauline’s Journey with the Emerging Leaders Development Program
Meet Pauline Mburu—a dedicated clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, a compassionate administrator, and a passionate advocate for vulnerable communities in Rhode Island. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity, mentorship, and community support, and highlights why initiatives like RIBBA’s Emerging Leaders Development Program are vital for the future of Rhode Island’s workforce.
Pauline’s journey began over two decades ago, fresh from earning her associate’s degree in Human Services from CCRI. As an immigrant, she brought with her a heart full of passion and determination to serve. Yet, despite her qualifications and unwavering dedication, she often faced barriers to advancement. Many leadership opportunities seemed just out of reach, leaving her to wonder if her background or experience held her back.
Everything changed when Pauline met Tyler Joseph, a graduate of the Emerging Leaders Development Program’s first cohort. Tyler saw her potential and nominated her for the program. That was a turning point. Through RIBBA, Pauline gained access to powerful tools like the Clifton Strengths assessment and Emotional Intelligence evaluations—resources she had heard of but never truly understood how to leverage. For the first time, she saw her strengths, felt her confidence grow, and began to believe in her capacity to lead.
The program didn’t just equip Pauline with skills; it expanded her network, introduced her to inspiring leaders like Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, and connected her with peers from diverse backgrounds. Her six-word life story—“Knowledge provided. Confidence gained. Leadership installed.”—captures the essence of her transformation. Today, Pauline stands as a stronger, more confident leader ready to make a difference.
Her story underscores an essential truth: many talented individuals in Rhode Island’s workforce face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Programs like the Emerging Leaders Development Program are crucial because they provide the tools, mentorship, and community support needed to unlock that potential. They cultivate diverse leadership, foster confidence, and inspire a new generation of professionals committed to building stronger communities.
For Rhode Island, investing in emerging leaders like Pauline means investing in a more equitable, innovative, and resilient workforce. It means creating opportunities for all voices to be heard and leadership to be shared across sectors. Pauline’s journey from uncertainty to empowerment exemplifies why these programs matter—not just for individual success, but for the future prosperity of our entire state.
If you believe in building a brighter future for Rhode Island, consider supporting initiatives like RIBBA. Your contribution helps develop leaders who will shape policies, serve communities, and drive change. Because when we invest in people like Pauline, we invest in the heart and soul of Rhode Island.
Let’s continue to lift our emerging leaders—because their success is our collective success.