Woonsocket’s Ciresi honored at United Way annual celebration
PROVIDENCE — Highlighting a year that featured more than $12 million invested in local initiatives that strengthen lives, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) President and CEO Cortney Nicolato spread a message of unity while offering a glimpse of new programs on the horizon during the organization’s 93rd Annual Celebration on Oct. 10.
“Today, maybe more than ever before, we need to embrace unity to overcome the issues that hold our community back,” says Nicolato. “We’re at a critical moment, when we must work together to ensure the success of our schools, to demand a supply of affordable homes, and to best equip a ready and able workforce. This will position our beloved state for success.”
Following the appointment of new members to UWRI’s Board of Directors and its Community Advisory Board, the evening culminated with the recognition of five community leaders who have helped to make Rhode Island better for all. It is the first time since the inception of the awards that the entire slate of honorees is women. United Way’s 2019 community champions and their respective awards are:
• 2019 Corporate Partnership Award: BankNewport, accepted by President & CEO, Sandra Pattie
• Young Leader Spark! Award: Marcela Betancur, Latino Policy Institute
• Women United Award: Anne Ciresi, FM Global
• Dante Mollo Labor Award: Maribeth Calabro, Providence Teachers Union
• John H. Chafee Lifetime Service Award: Sharon Conard-Wells, West Elmwood Housing Development
Corp.
Presented for the first time, the inaugural Women United Award was given to Anne Ciresi of FM Global. It has been more than 30 years since Ciresi, a Woonsocket resident, first became involved with UWRI, drawn to the organization’s work with children. Currently its event committee chair, Anne is a founding member of UWRI’s Women United, a group of like-minded women who share their ideas, talents, and philanthropy to improve childhood literacy. Along with playing an important role in establishing UWRI’s annual Children’s Book Drive and its subsequent success – more than 200,000 books collected since 2012 – Anne is passionate about mentoring the next generation of young people who will make a difference in Rhode Island.