DAIP — Diversity and Inclusion Professionals
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Building Belonging.
Advancing Equity.
Creating Impact Together.

DAIP is a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping leaders, organizations, and communities strengthen systems, develop inclusive leadership cultures, and create lasting impact.

Who We Are

A Cross-Sector Leadership Ecosystem

DAIP brings together professionals, organizations, and communities across sectors to strengthen leadership, transform systems, expand opportunity, and create spaces where people can thrive.

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The DAIP Ecosystem connecting the Rhode Island Belonging Index, DAI Partners, Inclusion Collective RI, community events, workforce development, and systems transformation

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The DAIP Ecosystem

Different Perspectives. Stronger Systems.

Our work connects research, organizational transformation, leadership development, community convening, and collective action.

Rhode Island Belonging Index

Measuring progress and informing change while protecting participant confidentiality.

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DAI Partners

Strategic consulting and organizational partnerships designed to create lasting impact.

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Inclusion Collective RI

A year-round network for shared learning, collaboration, relationship-building, and action.

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Community Events

First Fridays RI, the Annual Awards, and other experiences that connect and move us forward.

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Workforce & Leadership

Stronger talent pipelines, greater opportunity, and more inclusive leadership.

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Systems Transformation

Turning insight into action through stronger cultures, policies, practices, and systems.

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Our Blueprint

Six Arms of Impact

01

Equity Analysis & Strategy

Assessing systems, data, policies, and practices to identify barriers and create actionable strategies.

02

Culture & Systems Transformation

Moving from recommendations to implementation through culture change and accountability.

03

Workforce & Leadership Development

Building stronger talent pipelines, leadership capacity, and career pathways.

04

Learning, Training & Capacity Building

Creating practical learning experiences and customized organizational development.

05

Community Engagement & Convening

Strengthening relationships, elevating community voice, and advancing shared priorities.

06

Inclusion Collective RI

Building a year-round network committed to shared learning, collaboration, and action.

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Rhode Island Belonging Index

Collect. Diagnose. Improve.

DAIP is developing a confidential, cross-industry tool to better understand workplace belonging, identify shared challenges, and help organizations take meaningful action.

This is not a ranking or a public callout. Organizational information will be protected and results will be shared in aggregate so participants can learn, improve, and measure progress without being individually identified.

Learn About the Index

Why Invest in DAIP

Local Leadership. Connected Strategies. Measurable Progress.

DAIP connects workplace transformation, leadership development, community engagement, and data-driven accountability. Investment in DAIP helps Rhode Island move beyond isolated programs toward stronger, more coordinated systems.

6

Arms of Impact

One connected framework addressing equity strategy, organizational culture, workforce development, learning, community engagement, and collective action.

5D

Pathway to Impact

Discover, Diagnose, Design, Deploy, and Sustain—a practical approach that moves organizations from insight to implementation.

RI

Statewide Focus

DAIP brings employers, institutions, leaders, and communities together to address shared challenges across Rhode Island.

2027

Building What Comes Next

Support will help advance the Belonging Index, Inclusion Collective RI, workforce initiatives, community programs, and organizational partnerships.

What Partnership Makes Possible

Funding and institutional partnerships allow DAIP to expand access, collect meaningful data, develop leaders, strengthen organizational systems, convene cross-sector partners, and measure whether our collective efforts are producing real change.

Fund or Partner With DAIP Explore Our Blueprint See Our Impact Areas
Linda Newton, founder of DAIP

Honoring Our Founder

Linda Newton

Linda Newton founded DAIP with a vision of creating spaces where professionals, leaders, and communities could learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and advance equity together.

Her leadership established the foundation for DAIP’s continued commitment to belonging, opportunity, collaboration, and lasting systems change.

Read Our Story

Move Forward With DAIP

Help Build a More Inclusive Rhode Island

Whether you are an employer ready to strengthen your organization, a funder seeking to invest in measurable systems change, or a community member looking for connection, there is a place for you in DAIP’s work.

Work With DAIP Strengthen your organization, leadership, and systems. Fund or Partner With Us Invest in coordinated, measurable change across Rhode Island. Join the Collective Connect, learn, collaborate, and take action with others. Attend an Event Participate in First Fridays and other DAIP experiences.

Kevin Matta

President

Kevin Matta  (he, him, his) is a strategic differentiator, comfortable challenging the status quo, and brings both passion and experience to ensure client success and human engagement with his brilliant ability to make connections.

Kevin’s interest in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work developed as he witnessed his parents encounter inequities and injustices while navigating the American healthcare and workplace landscape. His passion for this work continues to be strengthened by the systemic injustices people around the world continue to experience.

Kevin serves as president of DAIP’s board of directors.

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