res26135

R 135

2026 -- H 8225
Enacted 03/03/2026

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE WOMEN’S FUND OF RHODE ISLAND (WFRI)

Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, Ackerman, Carson, Tanzi, Boylan, Cortvriend, Diaz, Casimiro, Shekarchi, and Blazejewski

Date Introduced: March 03, 2026

WHEREAS, The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island was founded in 2001 as a statewide,

nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing gender equity through research and

data, policy advocacy, strategic planning, leadership development, and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, WFRI is “the only statewide women’s fund, dedicated exclusively to

advancing gender equity in Rhode Island”; and

WHEREAS, Issues advanced by WFRI include women’s health, economic security, civic

participation, and recognition of their interconnected impact on families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Specific data and research produced by the Women’s Fund provides

policymakers, advocates, employers, and community leaders to effectively enact and advance

policy progress and public dialogue related to paid family and medical leave, caregiving and

economic security, reproductive health access, and voter access and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Through civic leadership and engagement, the Women’s Fund invests in

leadership pipelines for women and allies statewide, strengthens democracy by supporting civic

participation, voter engagement and public leadership, and serves as a trusted convener at the

intersection of community, policy, and philanthropy; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing collaboration and partnership, “the Women’s Fund of Rhode

Island advances solutions that benefit families and communities statewide”; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating and recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Fund of

Rhode Island during National Women’s History Month highlights and honors “both the legacy

and ongoing work of advancing gender equity in Rhode Island”; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and extends our gratitude

for their efforts to improve the health, economic security, and civic engagement of women and

girls across the State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Kelly Nevins, CEO of the Women's Fund of

Rhode Island (WFRI).

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LC004597

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