12 Nonprofit Leaders Participate in 2026 Executive Director Learning Circle at United Way

Program offered by the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of Rhode Island strengthens organizational capacity and sustainability

As Rhode Island nonprofits continue to navigate growing community needs and an ever-changing funding landscape, strong, innovative leadership remains essential to delivering vital programs and creating meaningful impact. To help equip nonprofit executives with the tools, strategies, and resources they need, the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way of RI has selected 12 local leaders for its 2026 Executive Director Learning Circle.

The year-long leadership development program brings together a select group of nonprofit leaders from across the state whose organizations are advancing critical work in areas such as basic needs, education, health, and community wellbeing. Through a blend of facilitated learning, peer exchange, and individualized coaching, participants focus on strengthening organizational strategy and increasing capacity to drive mission-centered results.

Created to support nonprofits with annual operating budgets of less than $1 million, the Executive Director Learning Circle is a cornerstone of United Way and the Alliance’s work to build nonprofit capacity and sustainability. Since 2017, more than 60 local leaders have completed the program.

Laureen Avery is the founder and director of Cumberland-based ExcEL Educators Leadership Academy, which provides professional learning for teachers to support high-quality, equitable education for multilingual learners. Laureen recently retired from UCLA Center X, where she led national efforts to support public school educators serving marginalized and underserved students. She holds an M.S. degree in Educational Psychology from Rhode Island College and lives in Scituate.

Christina Bevilacqua is the executive director of LitArts RI, a nonprofit that strengthens Rhode Island’s arts community by supporting creative writers and engaging readers. A longtime cultural curator, she has led programs at organizations including the Providence Athenaeum, Providence Public Library, and Trinity Repertory Company, and is a resident of Providence.

Shawndell Burney-Speaks is the interim executive director of the John Hope Settlement House in Providence, a historic Black-serving organization with a 96-year legacy. Drawing on her lived experience, she brings a deep understanding of the daily struggles facing her community and is passionate about coaching as a tool for empowerment; she is a resident of Providence.

Lindsay Cutler is the new executive director of Newport Partnership for Families, where she brings a decade of experience improving access to housing, health, and supportive services for vulnerable populations. Previously, she managed community programs for the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness, guiding statewide initiatives to strengthen the homeless response system..

As founder, president, and executive director of Save One Soul Animal Rescue League, Emma Dawley leads the Wakefield-based dog rescue that has re-homed more than 5,000 dogs and helped countless others live their best lives. Before founding SOSARL, she worked as an environmental consultant and planner, supporting sustainable development and environmental initiatives. She lives in Wakefield.

The first executive director of The Village for RI Foster and Adoptive Families, Shannon Dos Santos brings both professional expertise and lived experience to supporting foster, adoptive, guardianship, and kinship families across the state. Her work includes partnering with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families to coordinate support services and elevate caregiver voices.

Liz Duggan is the founder of Amenity Aid, one of the nation’s largest hygiene banks, providing essential hygiene products to nearly 126,000 individuals annually across Rhode Island. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from a grassroots effort into a statewide operation. Liz holds an MBA from California State University, is a Leadership Rhode Island graduate, and lives in Warwick.

With more than two decades of experience in nursing and education, Ada Ezeama is the founder and executive director of RI Allied Health & Safety Institute. The nonprofit postsecondary healthcare workforce training school focuses on preparing individuals for careers in healthcare., and mentoring and developing future healthcare professionals. Ada is a resident of Smithfield.

Stephen Fox leads the Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield. The theater produces a Mainstage Season, Rhode Island’s only Renaissance Faire, summer camps and other community events, and Improv Festivals that draw performers and teachers from around the world. The longtime theater artist earned his Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Texas Austin before returning to Wakefield in 2023.

Since joining the International House of Rhode Island in 2024, Heidi LaVine has worked to provide a home away from home for the state’s internationally identifying community. She connects residents with local resources, facilitates cross-cultural exchange, and supports newcomers as they settle into life in New England. Heidi is a resident of Providence.

Rush Nicotera is the seventh executive director of Youth Pride Rhode Island and has over 25 years of experience in grassroots organizing and nonprofit leadership. They have led efforts in comprehensive sex education, social justice initiatives, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, and have been recognized by Advocate Magazine and the Human Rights Campaign for their leadership and impact.

Leading DESIGNxRI, Rhode Island’s only nonprofit economic development organization dedicated exclusively to the design sector, Islay Taylor brings more than 15 years of experience building inclusive, community-driven creative programs. She previously served as associate director of The Steel Yard and is a resident of Providence.