MARTA MARTINEZ, executive director of RHODE ISLAND LATINO ARTS discusses her work as an oral historian preserving and sharing the stories of diverse cultures of people from Latin America and the Caribbean, and how the Latino population has strengthened RI’s culture, economy, and neighborhoods.

Representative KATHERINE KAZARIAN is the first woman in RI history elected to serve as Majority Leader in the House of Representatives. Leader Kazarian represents East Providence and Pawtucket and discusses the new generation of leadership at the State House and the new mayors in Providence and Pawtucket.

PAM JOHNSTON, CEO of Ocean State Media, discusses the merger of RI PBS TV and The Public’s Radio that has been two years in the making. She discusses the new radio signal on 103.7 FM, how Ocean State Media is navigating the elimination of federal funds for public media, and their goal for community-centered local journalism. The CEO of Ocean State Media discusses the merger of RI PBS TV and The Public’s Radio, which has been two years in the making. She discusses the new radio signal on 103.7 FM, how Ocean State Media is navigating the elimination of federal funds for public media, and their goal for community-centered local journalism.

SUZANNE SNYDER, founder of SAIL BEYOND CANCER, creates a touchstone moment for cancer survivors to leave cancer at the dock and head into the healing powers of the wind and water. She discusses her journey with cancer and how it inspired her to start this non-profit in 2014.

American veterans deserve the best in healthcare because they earned it. Dr. LAUREN SCHLANGER is the Women’s Health Medical Director at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She discusses the programs available to women veterans, mental health services, and a ‘holistic’ approach to integrate veterans back into the community.

MARTHA CUMMINGS is an educator and founder of Universal Promise, a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities to young children in rural South Africa. She discusses how private donations and local partnerships helped build a library, science lab, and classroom renovations. The pass rate for 12th graders skyrocketed from 14 to 93 percent last year.

MELISSA CHERNEY is the new CEO of Rhode Island Foodbank. She discusses the differences coming from the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota and puts a human face on the hungry in Rhode Island. She also shares her personal struggle with hunger and receiving SNAP benefits.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic enters a new era with the first woman conductor and Music Director. RUTH REINHARDT has an impressive international reputation as a dynamic musical conductor. Born in Germany, she had already composed a full-length opera by the age of 17, which she conducted with her local music school. Ruth describes how she communicates with the musicians, the energy of the audience, and her plans for the Music School as she works with aspiring young musicians.