The Extraordinary Woman Award (EWA):

Since March of 2001, EWA has been the only event in the state that recognizes the outstanding work and accomplishments of women in a multitude of areas within our community. These contributions have made the State of Rhode Island a better place. This event is unique because it recognizes women from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, celebrating their uniqueness, talents and attributes. The EWA is a program of the Woman Development Institute, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization .

The event is hosted annually on March 8th in alignment with International Women’s Day. We consider this an important and historical day because from the beginning of humanity, women have been limited to assuming caregiver roles. As a result, women have been perceived as playing a “secondary” role in the development of our society. Today, women in our state and beyond overcome so many barriers and challenges, and yet they are out there in the trenches fighting and advocating for justice, equity, and inclusion.

 

During the past twenty years we have recognized more than a hundred distinguished women, including Patricia Martinez, former DCYF Director; RI Lieutenant governor; Myrth York, former RI Governor candidate; State Representatives Grace Díaz and Anastasia Williams; Melba Depeña, former Executive Director RI Human Services; Deborah Ruggiero, Director of Community Development for Citadel Radio and a host of Amazing Woman; Pat Mastors, Anchor, Channel 12; Dr. Patricia Flanagan, Pediatrician at Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Elizabeth Burke-Bryant, Executive Director of RI Kids Count; Gertrude Jones, former Director of Diversity Department of Lifespan; Ana Novais, Executive Director of the RI Department of Health among others. Additionally, we have featured unique and exciting keynote speakers such as Elizabeth Roberts, former Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island; Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Former Vice President of the Dominican Republic; Teresa Paiva-Weed, former RI Senate President; Dra. Margarita Cedeño de Fernández, former First Lady and former Vice-President of the Dominican Republic; former RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea; US Secretary of Commerce and former RI Governor Gina Raimondo.

The Woman Development institute provides a variety of programs to fulfill the needs of women, youth and families as follows:

 

Because I am a Woman Conference: Was created in March of 2010 with the objective of promoting unity and solidarity among women; as well as to prepare and strengthen women knowledge of pressing societal issues.

 

Single Mothers. Reality and Challenges: Consists of an annual conference aimed at this segment of the community to provide emotional, and educational support to enhance their access to opportunities and improve their quality of life and of their children.

 

Love is paid by Love: Strengthening the emotional ties between mothers and daughters: it is an educational and recreational activity to promote good relations and communication within the family.

 

Empowering Youth with two different programs:

 

Inspiration Youth: Consists of the presentation of outstanding young people who have graduated from college or are attending college. Showing the new students that dreams and self-improvement can be achieved.

 

Extraordinary Women for the Future and Young Men of Value: In partnership with the Central Falls and Providence School Districts, this critical initiative seeks to empower young Latinos by helping them to build essential personal, social and leadership skills. Following an intensive program, participants will be well positioned to become community leaders -- equipped to help address the community issues that are presently affecting Rhode Island’s Latino community. The program will be driven by experienced Latino professionals who will share their personal and professional experience to help these young women and men reach their potential, while also helping them to begin building the professional network they will need to effect transformative community change/improvement.

 

Rally for Peace: In partnership with the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this event has the goal of showcasing organizations and individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds affected by violence. The Rally also includes workshops offered by experts in the subjects of family and gang violence, substance abuse, bullying, weapons, and other related topics; as well as recreational activities for the whole family.

 

Elder of Grace: The purpose of this program is to strengthen intergenerational relationships through educational and recreational activities. As part of this activity we encourage participants to recognize great women and great men in the building for their solidarity and human relations and encourage the elder to support each other in moments of need. Also, we increase their awareness about resources, opportunities and benefits available in the community for the elderly. The event include music and refreshment for the attendees.

 

Financial Literacy: The financial literacy program provides participants with practical knowledge, skill-building opportunities, and resources they can use to manage their finances with confidence and start paving the way towards financial stability and wealth.

The personal/professional growth modules’ goal is to provide Latinos the necessary tools to enable them to make relevant, positive and effective life choices and decisions for their future to enable personal empowerment and to live successfully.