Aug 25, 2025 RIBBA Announces Annual Awards Gala: “Legacy Unfolding – Celebrating 15 Years of Impact & Innovation”
RIBBA proudly announces its highly anticipated Annual Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island.
This year’s theme, “Legacy Unfolding: Celebrating 15 Years of Impact & Innovation,” honors the lasting influence RIBBA has built over the past decade and a half while highlighting the innovation and leadership shaping the future. The Gala serves as both a celebration of extraordinary achievements and a call to continue building a legacy of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.
2025 Award Honorees
- George T. Downing Business Leadership Award: Clarence Snead Jr., Owner, S&S Trucking LLC
- Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award: Sharon Morris, Executive Director, Omni Development
- Christiana Bannister Civic Leadership Award: Kinzel Thomas, Vice President of Equity & Community Development, Family Service of Rhode Island
- Emerging Leader Award: Mileiry “Milly” De La Cruz, Assistant Director, University of Rhode Island, College of Business
- Isaac Rice Entrepreneurship Award: Margaret McComiskey, Owner, MM Therapy & Consulting LLC
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award: Cortney Nicolato, President & CEO, United Way of Rhode Island
- Change Agent Award: Muraina “Morris” Akinfolarin, Executive Director, Oasis International
- Partnership Award: Gregg Perry, President & CEO, The Perry Group
- Member of the Year Award: Tamara Tardy, Owner, MAAT Future LLC
The evening begins with a 6:00 PM cocktail reception, followed by a sit-down dinner, awards ceremony, entertainment, and a live raffle. Attendees will enjoy an evening of meaningful connections with business leaders, corporate partners, elected officials, and community advocates. The Gala provides a unique opportunity to network, celebrate honorees, and support RIBBA’s work in transforming lives across Rhode Island.
The Annual Awards Gala is a prestigious recognition program honoring outstanding individuals who exemplify leadership, professional excellence, and service to the community. The award recipients embody dedication and have made significant contributions to Rhode Island’s economic and community development.
Proceeds from the Gala directly support RIBBA’s mission, including scholarships for deserving Rhode Island students, small business development initiatives, workforce readiness programs, financial literacy efforts, and pathways for professional advancement. Partnerships, ticket purchases, and VIP table reservations provide critical resources that allow RIBBA to continue driving impact statewide.
Tickets & Partnership
Tickets for the Gala are now available, and partnership opportunities are available. To reserve tickets, visit the Annual Awards Gala events page. For sponsorship inquiries, contact us at info@ribba.org.
