2024 AWARDS & POLICY LUNCHEON
October 28, 2024

About the Event

The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families brought together community human service and health providers with corporate, government, and philanthropic leaders at our 2024 Policy and Awards Luncheon at the Providence Marriott Downtown on October 28, 2024. First initiated in 2018 and suspended during the COVID-19 epidemic, our event celebrates the work of our sector in promoting the safety, health, and success of children, youth, and families. This year’s luncheon will be an opportunity to hear from a dynamic leader in our field, honor elected leaders and lift up particular legislative actions and recognize the contributions of public sector and community champions.

Our keynote was Linda Spears, President & CEO of the Child Welfare League of America, a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies that, since 1920, has championed better lives for millions of children and families who are vulnerable.

This year we honored the following individuals and groups:

  • Legislative Champion: Senator Alana DiMario

  • Legislative Champion: Representative Tina Spears

  • Legislative Leader: Representative Teresa Tanzi

  • Legislative Services: Senator Joshua Miller

  • Heroes Among Us: Brenda Alejo

  • Heroes Among Us: Tyrone Jackson

  • Guiding Light: Darlene Allen

Sponsors

Black silhouette of a person on a roller coaster with a red flag at the top, next to large stylized letters spelling 'RIDE' in black.
Logo for Communities for People with a circular design of stylized human figures and the text 'Communities for People'
Logo for Adoption Rhode Island featuring two purple child figures holding hands under a multicolored house roof, with the slogan 'Children First, and Always'.
Logo with a Wi-Fi signal icon above the word 'Advocacy' and the word 'Solutions' next to it.
Logo of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island featuring a blue cross with a white caduceus symbol and a shield with a stylized dollar sign, along with the text 'Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island'.
Logo for Child & Family, showing stylized figures of a child and an adult in blue, with text indicating caring for Rhode Island community since 1866.
Logo for The Groden Network featuring four colored gears (green, blue, red, and black) alongside text that says 'The Groden Network,' 'Groden Center - Cove Center - Halcyon Center,' and 'Your Autism Experts.'
Logo for NAFI Rhode Island featuring overlapping circles and text.
William James College logo with a shield emblem and the college's name in blue text.
Logo for Key Program Inc. with the tagline "Unlocking Potential of Youth & Families"

Awards Ceremony Slideshow

Women and men engaging at a registration or check-in desk during an event with documents, name tags, and coffee cups on the table.
Three people are having a conversation near a sign for the 2024 Annual Policy & Awards Luncheon at Marriott Providence Downtown. Two women and a man, all wearing business attire, engage in discussion inside a well-lit hallway.
A group of people at a check-in or registration desk, with some individuals working on papers and others waiting, in an indoor setting with large windows and curtains.
People participating in a registration or check-in process at a conference or event, seated at a table with documents, pens, and coffee cups, while others stand in line and engage with staff.
A group of five diverse people sitting around a round banquet table at a formal event, smiling at the camera. The table is set with white tablecloths, white coffee mugs, glasses of water, silverware, napkins, and a small menu or program. In the backg
Three women are engaged in conversation at a formal event in a banquet hall. One woman has blonde hair, the second is African American with glasses and a bright orange blazer, and the third woman has red hair, glasses, and is wearing a brown jacket.
Multiple glass awards on a table, with the central award inscribed with 'Legislative Champion Award - Tina Spears'. In the background, there are more awards, some with similar inscriptions, and printed materials or pamphlets. The awards appear to be
Glass award with clock face and inscription, surrounded by brochures and awards on a table.
Group of five people in conversation at a conference or meeting.
Three people standing together indoors at a social event, smiling for the camera.
Two men engaged in conversation at a professional event, with a banquet hall setting featuring tables, chairs, and a plate of salad in the foreground.
Three people standing together at a social event, smiling for the camera, with a table of food and tableware in the background.
Three people engaged in conversation at a conference or luncheon event, with a Fourth person in the background. The setting is a banquet hall with tables, plates, and glassware visible, and a large screen displaying details about the event.
Group of people at a banquet table smiling, with food, drinks, and name tags, in a decorated banquet hall.
A woman in a plaid blazer and beige pants is talking to seated women at a conference table, with a backdrop of a beige patterned wall and people in business attire.
Three people in conversation at a formal event. Two women and one man are facing each other, with other people in the background. The woman on the left has red hair, glasses, and is wearing a black jacket. The woman in the middle has brown hair, wear
Two women, smiling, posing together indoors, both wearing glasses on their heads.
A group of four diverse people sitting at a banquet table, smiling, with plates of salad, coffee mugs, glasses of water, and silverware, in a decorated room.
People sitting at a round banquet table having a conversation during a formal event.
Group of eight people sitting around a table with salads at a formal event or conference in a banquet hall.
Two women are engaged in a conversation at a social event, standing near a table with food and drinks; one woman has curly blonde hair, glasses, and is smiling, while the other has dark, curly hair tied up, and a nose ring, wearing a gray sweater.
Two women are engaged in a warm embrace at a social gathering, with several other people in the background, standing indoors.
A woman with long gray hair smiling and talking to another woman at a conference or meeting. They are surrounded by other seated attendees, with food on the table, including salad, coffee cups, and water glasses.
Two women and one man engaged in conversation at a formal event. The man on the left is wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and a tie with small red dots. The woman in the middle has short blonde hair, is wearing a black top with a grey patte
Three women attending a formal event, sitting at a table with salads, cups, and utensils, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left wears a tan blazer, the woman in the middle wears a blue top, and the woman on the right has dark hair, glasses, an
A large banquet hall filled with round tables set with salads, coffee cups, and water pitchers. People are seated and conversing, with some standing and talking in the background. The room has decorated walls and multiple lights on the walls.
People engaged in conversation at a formal event or conference, with multiple individuals in business attire in a well-lit room.
Group of people sitting around a round banquet table with salad and coffee cups at a formal event in a conference room.
Group of six people standing together at a formal event, smiling at the camera in an indoor setting with tables set with food and drinks in the background.
Three people in business attire engaged in conversation at a professional networking event in a conference room.
Three people smiling and standing close together at a social or professional event, two men and a woman, in formal business attire.
Two men in suits shaking hands at a conference or business event, with a table of food and drinks in front of them and other people conversing in the background.
Group of people engaging in conversation at a formal event in a banquet hall, dressed in business attire.
People at a conference or event greeting each other with hugs and handshakes, surrounded by seated attendees and tables with drinks.
Two older men with gray hair and glasses, dressed in dark suits and ties, are engaged in a conversation at a formal event. They are standing in a room with patterned wallpaper and warm lighting, with other people seated and mingling in the background
Two men shaking hands in a formal setting, with other people in the background engaged in conversation, at a conference or meeting.
Two men in formal suits engaged in conversation at a social event or dinner gathering, with other attendees in the background.
Four people are engaged in conversation at a formal event or conference. They are standing behind a dining table set with plates, glasses, and pitchers.
Three people at a formal event, including a woman in a blue floral dress and two men in suits, one wearing glasses and a name tag, standing in a room with many attendees and a banquet setting.
Two men in suits shaking hands and facing each other while a woman with glasses and a scarf looks on at a formal event with several other attendees in the background.
A group of people in business attire are gathered at a social event, engaging in conversations. The focus is on a man in a gray suit holding a phone, smiling and talking to someone off-camera. The background shows a table with glasses and plates, ind
A smiling woman with curly hair and a man in a suit standing together in an indoor setting, possibly at a conference or formal event.
A woman with red hair and glasses standing at a podium giving a presentation, in front of a large screen displaying a PowerPoint slide with the logo of the American Heart Association.
A woman speaking at a podium with a microphone, wearing glasses and a red blazer, in a room with beige walls and a large mirror.
A woman with red hair and glasses giving a presentation at a podium, with a large screen displaying some text behind her.
A woman speaking at a podium during a conference or event, wearing glasses and a red dress, with another woman seated nearby in the background.
A woman with dark curly hair and glasses is speaking at a podium during a presentation or conference, wearing a red dress. There is a screen or monitor to her left displaying a colorful graphic.
A woman in a red top and glasses giving a speech at a podium in a conference room with an audience of diverse adults.
A woman with blonde hair speaking at a podium with a microphone, wearing a black blazer and a necklace, with a name badge on her blazer.
A man in a suit and red tie speaking at a podium during an event, with three women sitting and listening in the background.
A man in a dark suit and red tie speaking at a podium during a formal event, with three women seated behind him, listening.
A man in a suit and red tie speaking at a podium, gesturing with his hand during a presentation or speech at a formal event, with women sitting at a table in front of him.
A man in a suit and red tie standing at a podium giving a speech, while several women in the audience are clapping and smiling.
A man in a suit speaking at a podium during a conference, with three women sitting and smiling in the background.
A man in a suit is standing at a podium speaking in front of an audience. There are two women sitting behind him, listening.
A woman with blonde hair wearing a black blazer and a tiered necklace speaks at a podium with papers on it. Another woman with glasses and a red blazer sits nearby, listening attentively. The scene appears to be at a formal event or conference.
Four women standing together indoors, engaged in conversation, with a podium and a microphone visible in the foreground.
A woman with curly blonde hair speaking at a podium with a microphone during a conference or meeting, wearing a beige turtleneck sweater. There is a person in the foreground with glasses wearing a blue shirt.
A man in a gray suit and pink polka dot tie is speaking at a podium during a formal event or conference, with three women seated behind him listening, in a room with beige wallpaper and mirrors.
Three people, two women and one man, smiling and standing together at what appears to be an award or recognition event indoors with ornate walls in the background.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a blue and black floral dress, stands at a podium speaking into a microphone during an event. Seated behind her are two other people: a woman with short blonde hair in a blue dress and a bald man in a
Three women at an awards event, with one woman holding a glass award, standing beside a podium and smiling.
Women standing at a podium during a presentation, with one woman speaking into a microphone and a projected image of a person's face with glasses on a screen to the left.
People attending a conference or meeting, sitting at tables with cups, some focusing on their notes or devices.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, standing at a podium during a presentation or press conference. The man is holding a booklet titled "Children in Crisis Can't Wait" and is speaking into a microphone. The woman is standing beside him, wearing glass
A man is speaking at a podium during a formal event or presentation, dressed in a gray suit, light blue dress shirt, and purple tie with yellow dots, with a microphone attached to his shirt.
A man with gray hair, glasses, wearing a dark suit, stands behind a podium speaking at an event. A woman with blonde hair and glasses, wearing a red blazer, stands beside him. They are inside a decorated room with patterned wallpaper, mirror, and awa
Three women are at a podium in a conference room, engaged in conversation; they are wearing business attire and glasses and are surrounded by papers and microphones.
Three women standing at a podium during a formal event or conference, one speaking into a microphone, with papers in front of her. All three women are wearing professional attire and glasses.
Three women and one man standing together at a formal event, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has blond hair and glasses, dressed in a red blazer. The man in the middle has gray hair and is wearing a navy blue suit with a checkered shirt
An older Black man wearing a blue suit, checkered shirt, and tie, speaking at a podium with a microphone. To his right, a woman with glasses, a pearl necklace, and a brown blouse, listening and holding a paper, in a formal indoor setting.
Two women standing behind a clear podium, with one woman speaking into a microphone and the other smiling, in a formal event setting. Several audience members are visible in the foreground.
Three women standing together at an award ceremony, with one woman in the middle holding an award plaque, smiling, and wearing glasses and earrings, while the women on either side are engaged in conversation.
Woman speaking at a podium with paper notes, wearing glasses, a pearl necklace, and earrings; woman seated beside her wearing red top and glasses.
A middle-aged man with glasses and a beard is standing at a podium, speaking into a microphone, wearing a suit and tie, in a formal indoor setting.
A group of diverse people sitting at a banquet table during a formal event.
A speaker, an older man with glasses and a beard, stands at a podium with a microphone giving a speech at a conference or banquet. He is dressed in a dark blazer and beige pants, holding papers. In the background, a large audience of professionals is
A woman wearing glasses speaking into a microphone at a conference table. She has short brown hair and is wearing a dark jacket. There is a name tag that reads 'Linda Spears'.
Two women seated at a table, one with blonde hair wearing a red jacket, the other with short curly hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, attending an event or conference.
A group of people attending a conference or meeting, seated at round tables with beverages and papers, listening attentively to a speaker or presentation in a large room.
A woman wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, smiling while standing at a presentation podium with a microphone, in a conference room setting.
A group of diverse people attending a formal event or conference, standing and clapping in front of a yellow wall. Some are smiling, and there are tables with drinks and papers in the foreground.
People seated at a table attending an event, clapping and engaging with a presentation in a formal setting.
A group of six diverse people, five women and one man, standing together at an indoor event, holding awards and smiling at the camera, with many people in the background.
A group of fourteen diverse adults, including women and men, gathered indoors for a group photo. They are smiling, with two women in the front holding awards. The setting appears to be a formal or professional event with background elements like mirr
Three women and a man engaged in conversation at a professional event. The man with glasses and a beard is smiling, and the women appear to be listening attentively. One woman with glasses is looking at the man, and another woman with curly hair and
Three people smiling at a social gathering, two women and one man standing close together. The woman on the left has short curly hair, glasses, and is wearing a black top. The man in the middle has short gray hair, glasses, a white shirt, and a plaid
Two women smiling at an event, wearing badges and buttons that say 'I Voted By Mail' and 'Hero of the United States'.
Two women are engaged in a conversation at an indoor event. One woman is holding a brochure and appears to be speaking to the other woman, who is wearing glasses and a red jacket. Several other people are visible in the background.
Two men at a formal event, one African American and one Caucasian, posing together and smiling. The African American man is wearing a blue suit and a badge that says "I Voted by Mail." The Caucasian man is wearing a checkered suit with glasses, holdi
Three women engaged in conversation at a social event indoors. One woman with blonde curly hair and glasses is seated, another woman with darker hair is speaking, and part of a third woman is visible on the left. The background shows a podium, chairs
Three women smiling and standing together at a social event, with tables and chairs in the background, inside a decorated banquet room.
Four women standing together in a room celebrating an event, smiling at the camera.
Group of five women standing in a line at an indoor event, smiling at the camera, with other attendees and a large screen in the background.
A group of people sitting in chairs in a conference or meeting room, with two women seated at the center facing the camera, and several men seen from behind in the foreground.
Two women are seated in a conference room engaging in conversation or discussion. One woman is wearing glasses, a zebra-striped shirt, and a green jacket. The other woman is also wearing glasses, a pearl necklace, and a brown jacket. There are chairs
A group of six ethnically diverse adults sitting in chairs, attending a formal event or panel discussion; they are dressed in business attire, with name tags visible, and are seated against a wooden-paneled wall.
A group of people sitting in a circle in a conference room, engaging in a discussion. Some people are smiling and holding papers or notebooks.
Three women sitting in chairs and engaged in conversation at a professional event, with one woman smiling and holding a smartphone, and various bags and personal items placed on the floor.
Three women sitting and smiling during a discussion or meeting in a conference room.
Group of women sitting in a row at an indoor conference or panel discussion, listening attentively.
Two women sitting on chairs in a conference room, facing a group of people. One woman has short dark hair, glasses, and is dressed in a green jacket and zebra-print blouse. The other woman has long hair tied back, glasses, and is wearing a brown jack
A woman with short dark hair and glasses sitting on a chair, wearing a striped shirt and an olive jacket, engaged in conversation with someone partially visible in the foreground.