The Economic Progress Institute

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The Economic Progress Institute We advocate for policies that improve economic security and opportunity for Rhode Islanders! While the name changed, the mission did not.

The Economic Progress Institute - formerly The Poverty Institute - is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders. Since the organization was founded by Linda Katz and the late Nancy Gewirtz in 1999, it has become a respected authority on issues impacting the economic vitality of our residents and our state. The Institute changed its name in 2012 to better reflect the reality that it has become an advocate not only for those living in poverty, but for the growing number of middle-income Rhode Islanders struggling to make ends meet. The Board and staff also wanted a name that is aspirational and speaks to what we stand for.....creating opportunities and economic progress for all Rhode Islanders. The Institute is still a powerful and informed voice for low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Inna Walker!Originally from Southern Ukraine, Inna brings experience in financial s...
10/23/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Inna Walker!

Originally from Southern Ukraine, Inna brings experience in financial services, business administration, and nonprofit leadership, with a career spanning roles at Bank of America, Santander USA, and Beacon Bank.

Inna currently serves as Treasurer of Hope & Main and is actively involved in Ukrainian-American community organizations, where she supports international partnerships, cultural understanding, and community engagement.

We are excited to welcome Inna to EPI’s Board and look forward to the financial expertise and community leadership she brings to our work advancing economic security and equity for all Rhode Islanders.

Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Ralph Tavares!With more than two decades of experience in higher education, executi...
10/23/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Ralph Tavares!

With more than two decades of experience in higher education, executive recruitment, and organizational inclusion, Ralph has worked to expand educational and professional opportunities for Black and Brown students and professionals.

Ralph has held leadership positions at Salve Regina University, Providence College, and Roger Williams University School of Law.

His current work at DSG Global focuses on advancing inclusive executive search and hiring practices and addressing barriers to professional opportunities.

We are excited to welcome Ralph to EPI’s Board and look forward to the experience and perspective he brings to our work advancing economic security and equity for all Rhode Islanders.

Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Donna Marie Rook, Ph.D.!As Administrator of Family & Adult Services at the Rhode Is...
10/23/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Donna Marie Rook, Ph.D.!

As Administrator of Family & Adult Services at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Donna brings extensive experience in child protective services, behavioral health, housing stabilization, and public assistance programs.

Throughout her career, she has focused on connecting essential services and building partnerships that support families and their well-being.

We are excited to welcome Donna to EPI’s Board and look forward to the expertise and perspective she brings to our work advancing economic security and equity for all Rhode Islanders.

Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Jennifer Reynolds!A family law attorney at Barton Gilman LLP in Providence, Jennife...
10/23/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Jennifer Reynolds!

A family law attorney at Barton Gilman LLP in Providence, Jennifer works with individuals and families on a range of family law matters, including child custody, adoption, and child support.
 
A lifelong Rhode Islander, Jennifer is also actively involved in the Rhode Island Bar Association’s legal education programs, helping students understand the legal system. She also supports local youth through volunteer and leadership roles in baseball and hockey organizations.
 
We are excited to welcome Jennifer to EPI’s Board and look forward to the perspective she brings from her legal practice and community involvement as we work to advance economic security and equity for all Rhode Islanders.
 
Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

We are pleased to welcome Phanida Phivilay to our Board of Directors and look forward to the experience and expertise sh...
10/22/2026

We are pleased to welcome Phanida Phivilay to our Board of Directors and look forward to the experience and expertise she brings to our work at EPI.

Read our press release to learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Georgia Gayle! With more than a decade of experience in biopharma, healthcare, gove...
10/22/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Georgia Gayle!
 
With more than a decade of experience in biopharma, healthcare, governance, and strategic operations, Georgia brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to Rhode Island communities.
 
Georgia serves as Director and Head of U.S. Promotional Review & Operations at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease. She is also a co-founder of the Edna May Morris Foundation, which supports educational opportunities and resources for children and families.
 
A Barrington resident and mother of two, Georgia is passionate about advancing economic opportunities and supporting the well-being of Rhode Island families and communities.
We are excited to welcome Georgia to EPI’s Board of Directors and look forward to the experience and perspective she brings to our work.
 
Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Christine Munroe Clapsis!With more than a decade of experience in government relati...
10/22/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, Christine Munroe Clapsis!

With more than a decade of experience in government relations, public policy, and advocacy, Christine brings valuable expertise to EPI.

A Rhode Island native with degrees from George Washington University and Brown University, Christine brings experience in government consulting and nonprofit education.

We look forward to her contributions to advancing economic security and equity for all Rhode Islanders.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

On Tuesday , EPI Policy Director Nina Harrison presented on the current state of poverty in Rhode Island at the Interfai...
10/22/2026

On Tuesday , EPI Policy Director Nina Harrison presented on the current state of poverty in Rhode Island at the Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty’s Root Out Poverty Conference in Providence.
 
Nina shared findings from EPI’s 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need report, highlighting the economic challenges facing individuals and families across the state. She also facilitated a panel discussion on healthcare.
 
📊 Read the 2026 Rhode Island Standard of Need report: https://bit.ly/4rAb4Fm

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, William J. Allen!With more than 50 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and ...
10/22/2026

Welcome to EPI’s Board of Directors, William J. Allen!

With more than 50 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, William brings a wealth of knowledge and a longstanding commitment to Rhode Island communities.
 
A Senior Fellow at Brown University’s Watson School of International and Public Affairs, William previously served as Executive Vice President and Interim President of United Way of Rhode Island and has held leadership roles with several prominent nonprofit organizations.
 
We are excited to welcome William to EPI’s Board of Directors and look forward to the experience, perspective, and leadership he brings as we continue advancing economic justice and equity for all Rhode Islanders.
 
Learn more about our new Board members: https://bit.ly/4dUm7Uq

Happy National Boss’s Day to our incredible Executive Director, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies!  A true leader who inspires, em...
10/16/2026

Happy National Boss’s Day to our incredible Executive Director, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies! 
 
A true leader who inspires, empowers, and leads with compassion, vision, and purpose. We are grateful for her unwavering dedication, the example she sets, and the positive impact she makes every day.
 
Thank you, Weayonnoh, for being an inspiring leader and for all that you do for EPI and the communities we serve!

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