Diversity & Inclusion Professionals (DAIP)

(Virtual) Unfiltered Coffee Chat
2023-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | Virtual, over Zoom
Feeling stressed about the recent SCOTUS decisions related to affirmative action? Would you like the opportunity to share space with other folks considering the potential implications on your workplace?
Some questions that are already coming up within our community include:

How can companies make sure their dedication to DEI efforts remain steadfast while progress is being undone?
How might this change impact ERGs, pipeline programs for racial minorities, diversity in procurement programs, etc.?
How might grants and different streams of funding be impacted?
What adjustments are folks already making in light of this new reality?

DAIP regularly hosts virtual Unfiltered Coffee Chats for attendees to connect, learn and delve into topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our August Unfiltered Coffee Chat will be facilitated by Talia Brookshire, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island’s chief diversity officer (CDO).
Talia has more than 15 years of experience in diversity, multicultural marketing, community relations, and partner relations. In her past roles, she gained a blend of business and DEI experience by working with Olympic and professional athletes, colleges, universities, manufacturers, sponsors, agencies, and teams—giving her a unique perspective on how these changes might impact folks across industries and sectors.
You won’t want to miss this conversation!
A huge thank you to Bolt Coffee Co for generously providing complimentary coffee for Unfiltered Coffee Chat attendees.
Spots are limited to keep this conversation intimate. Click here to register today.
This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM CE credits.

(In-Person) Diversity Links Meet-up, in partnership with Rhode Island College
2023-09-14 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Rhode Island College (Main Campus)
DAIP is partnering with Rhode Island College to host our summer Diversity Links networking event.
Join us in person to engage in a guided conversation and connect with talented DEI-minded professionals from various organizations and industries. Lite bites and drinks will be served.
Experience Level: This event is relevant for all levels of experience.
Cost: $35 to attend.

Register Here

(In-person) DAIP’s 12th Annual Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Awards
2023-11-02 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Hope Events on Main, 999 Main Street, Pawtucket, 02860
Join the DAIP community to celebrate our 2023 Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Award winners! This year’s gathering will honor our 2023 award winners: Michelle Wilson (Individual Award Winner), Coastal1 Credit Union (Organizational Award Winner), and Carolyn Belisle (our inaugural Linda Newton Legacy Award winner)!
The reception will feature:

Live music, hors d’oeuvres & cash bar
Time for fellowship and networking
Brief speaking program to feature the 2023 award winners & a thought-provoking panel discussion

This year’s theme is A Slow Burn: Fanning the Flames of Sustainable DEIJ.
If our passion for this work is represented by a flame, we’re asking each of you to consider—what fans the flame for you? What inspires you to keep going? How do you protect your own well-being, and stand in solidarity with those around you? How can you sustain this flame so it’s strong and steady, yet not too hot?
Moderated by Kevin Matta, our panel will be made up of leaders from a variety of industries and perspectives to explore what goes into creating a workplace where all employees are set up to thrive. Panelists include Adama Brown, PhD (United Way of Rhode Island), Gregory Brunson (Butler Hospital), and Orlena Cowan-Bailey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP (senior leader, speaker, DEI & culture consultant).
This dynamic group will discuss topics such as:

How to create a workplace culture where the burden of DEI work is shared.
How to approach your DEI plan as a long-term destination instead of a short-term checklist.
Tips for incorporating mental health and wellness support to sustain your practitioners.
And more.

This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM CE credits.
Register Today!
Interested in becoming a Partner with DAIP? Click here to learn more about how your organization can get priority access to DAIP programs and events, access to help define and shape DAIP’s educational offerings, and recognition through various platforms to our network of business and community leaders.

(Virtual) Unfiltered Coffee Chat
2023-12-05 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | Virtual, over Zoom
The holiday season can be a joyous time, but it also brings its fair share of stressors and challenges.
Join DAIP virtually on December 5th for an Unfiltered Coffee Chat facilitated by Vanessa Vigil (belonging & equity coordinator at Lifespan), Greg Brunson (diversity outreach coordinator at Butler Hospital), and Daphney Afolabi (licensed clinical social worker).
Connect with others and share your lived experiences, with a focus on topics related to employee well-being and performance this time of year, such as:

A new approach to performance reviews that decouples merit from value
Strategies for effectively managing holiday fatigue
Radical self care–what does it look like for you?

Facilitators will create a safe space for vulnerable, transparent conversations, and offer valuable insights on how to thrive personally and professionally during this busy season. Whether you’re looking for ways to excel in your performance review or seeking balance and well-being, this talk has something for everyone.
As always, Bolt Coffee generously provides complimentary delicious coffee to Unfiltered attendees. This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM CE credits.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and actionable strategies. Space is limited, so RSVP today to reserve a spot!
Register Here

(In-Person) Film Screening & Discussion - "Silver Dollar Road"
2024-02-26 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | RI
Join us for an enlightening evening of film and conversation in recognition of Black History Month.
DAIP is hosting a special program in honor of black excellence and community resilience at United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) on Monday, February 26th, for a screening & discussion around the documentary “Silver Dollar Road.” The film tells the story of a family who is fighting to defend land purchased one generation after slavery and details the covert ways the legal system unjustly allowed their land to be taken from them.
Guest speakers include:

Kyle Bennett, Senior Director, Policy & Equity, UWRI
Ellijah McClean, Program Officer, Education Policy, UWRI

Learning Objectives:

Understanding the disparities and racial injustices that are often reinforced through public policy and legislation.
Elevating awareness about structures and systems that create norms, and ways we can change them to champion justice and equity.
Sharing of best practices on ways to advocate for policy change (from community leaders and experts).

Agenda:

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Film Screening for those who want to watch the film with us.
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Facilitated Conversation that will include key clips.

Note: We realize this topic can be emotionally heavy. Feel free to watch the film on your own (it’s available on Amazon Prime) and join us for the discussion afterward.
Location: United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI
Refreshments will be served.
This program has been submitted for HRCI and SHRM CE credits.
Space is limited, so register today to reserve a spot!
REGISTER Here

(In-Person) Diversity Links Meet-up: Allow Us To Reintroduce Ourselves
2024-03-28 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Slate, 60 Valley Street, Providence, RI, 02909, United States
About the Event: Join us for an in-person event uniting DEI professionals. Dive into curated conversations, hear briefly from industry experts, connect with peers across industries, and enjoy networking over lite bites and drinks.
At this peer-driven enjoyable event, networking effortlessly merges with meaningful connections.
Experience Level: This event is relevant for all levels of experience.
Cost: Free
About the Presenters:

Marcy Reyes, Finance Educator: Reyes is a director in the CAST Division at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. From her experience working in finance and academics, Reyes realized the disparities in how financial literacy resources are allocated. In response, she founded The FLY Initiative to bring much-needed financial literacy programming to underserved and underrepresented youth. Marcy Reyes received her undergraduate degree in finance from Rhode Island College in 2012, and earned a master’s in finance from Northeastern University in 2014. Reyes serves as adjunct professor at RIC, teaching finance to students who come from diverse backgrounds.

K. Doyle Financial Planning: The mission of K Doyle Financial Planning is to be of service to clients by partnering with them to crystalize their goals, implement process driven, tailored investment and financial planning solutions and then monitoring them throughout the lifetime of those goals. My clients are individuals and businesses as well as trusts. There is no better feeling as a Financial Advisor than seeing your clients succeed so we work hard to keep them involved in the planning process through regular reviews and communicating relevant information as it arises. I am proud to hold my CSRIC (Chartered Sustainable Responsible Impact Counselor) designation and am passionate about giving interested clients the opportunity to invest their principals without sacrificing market performance or incurring excessive fees.

Register Here

July Diversity Links
2024-07-25 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Guild, 461 Main St, PawtuckeT, 02860, United States
Join us for DAIP’s Diversity Links summer social! Diversity Links is a way for you to make meaningful connections with individuals across many business sectors who share a passion for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We keep this evening unstructured with brief remarks so that you can make of the evening what you want!
Register Here to Attend

Save the Date: Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Annual Awards
2024-09-27 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Farm Fresh Rhode Island, 10 Sims Ave, unit 103, Providence, RI, 02909

DAIP Presents: Voices in the Room — Real Talk. Real People. Real Impact. (Virtual)
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual, over Zoom
Join us for an authentic virtual gathering that delves into the heart of workplace culture and community well-being.
As organizations navigate evolving expectations around inclusion and belonging, the need for sustainable, human-centered strategies has never been greater. This event brings together a dynamic panel of experts,
from mental health professionals to HR leaders and legal advisors, to explore how we can move beyond performative actions and foster environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Together, we’ll unpack today’s challenges and possibilities, offering clear, practical steps to create intentional ecosystems that prioritize people, heal culture, and drive real impact.
This isn’t just a conversation, it’s a movement toward meaningful change.
Register Now!

Midsummer Meet-Up
2025-07-31 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfire Rooftop, 475 Valley Street, Providence, RI, 02908, United States
About this event
Summer isn’t over yet! Join Millennial Rhode Island and DAIP (Diversity and Inclusion Professionals) for a Midsummer Meet-Up an evening built for connection, community, and summertime vibes in the Ocean State.
Whether you’re new to Rhode Island or a proud local, this event is for you.
🔥 What to Expect:
Chill summer energy on a Roof Top Deck
Plenty of Parking
Cash bar by Hi Bar Lo Bar
Light apps, Snacks by Sarcastic Sweets & Music
A welcoming space to meet new people from across industries!
💡 Who Should Attend?
Professionals looking to expand their network
Advocates for equity, inclusion, and community change
Creatives, entrepreneurs, and new-to-RI folks
Anyone who wants to build meaningful relationships in a laid-back setting
This meet up is about celebrating our shared values, building bridges, and making Rhode Island an even better place to live and work.
Tickets are $10
🎟 Millennial RI members get in free!To claim your exclusive member access code, email info@millennialri.com. Not a member yet? Join us here: https://givebutter.com/millennialri
Sign Up Here
