Press Release: United Way Selects Participants for its "Deputy Director Learning Circle"
12 local nonprofit fellows have been chosen for the 10-month leadership development program
Contact: Michael J. Cerio | Michael@CerioCommunications.com | (401) 743-8269
Providence, R.I. (July 16, 2025) – A group of 12 nonprofit professionals from organizations across the Ocean State have been selected to participate in United Way of Rhode Island’s latest “Deputy
Director Learning Circle” program.
The specialized leadership development series was designed to
strengthen the skills of those who aspire to become an executive director. It is one of several learning initiatives offered by United Way through the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact.
During the 10-month “Deputy Director Learning Circle,” participants will hone their skills around staff leadership, financial management, board development, and strategic planning. The cohort will meet monthly beginning in early August and will continue through June 2026.
The program is offered at no cost and each participant represents an organization with an annual budget of $5 million or less.
Of the more than two dozen nonprofit professionals to apply, those selected as fellows are:
- Christopher Ackley: Genesis Center
- Amy Albert: Rhode Island Free Clinic
- Autumn Beaudoin: Turtle Island Community Capital
- Caitlyn Blankenship: Greater Providence YMCA
- Diana Capellan: International Teachers Project
- Betty Clinton: Inspiring Minds
- Allyson DuPont: Ocean State Center for Independent Living
- Logan England: Youth Pride
- Cindy Montoya: Progreso Latino
- Justine Oliva: Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council
- Tatiana Reis: Youth In Action
- Dan Swain: Newport Festivals Foundation
Christopher Ackley is the VP of Strategy and Partnerships at Genesis Center and has spent more than 15 years working in the community and economic development space. A natural relationship
builder, Chris led the creation of the Genesis Center’s Keys to Success program, which has helped more than 50 individuals save money to purchase their own vehicle. He holds a Master’s degree in
Public Administration from Clark University and is a resident of Providence with his family.
Amy Albert is the Deputy Director of the Rhode Island Free Clinic, where she helps lead the organization’s mission to provide free, high-quality healthcare to uninsured and low-income adults. With more than a decade of experience in public service, higher education, and nonprofit management, she brings a deep commitment to equitable access, workforce development, and community-centered care. A resident of Bristol, Amy holds an MBA from URI.
Autumn Beaudoin is the VP of Regenerative Economics at Turtle Island Community Capital, a Native Community Development Financial Institution that provides non-extractive capital access to all 97 tribes in the Northeast. Prior to joining TICC, Autumn worked in government consulting and civic technology. As a white-bodied ally, Autumn approaches their work as a servant and facilitator. Autumn
lives in the West End of Providence.
With a professional background in afterschool and out-of-school time programs for K—12 grade youth, Caitlyn Blankenship is the Youth Development Director for Providence Youth Services of Greater
Providence YMCA.. In addition to her youth development work, she is a member of the instructional faculty team at College Unbound. Caitlyn grew up in Cranston and still lives in the city.
Diana Capellan is the Director of the International Teachers Project, a nonprofit that assists Rhode Island public schools in finding talented, qualified teachers from Latin America to teach through a
teacher exchange program. She also is the VP of Rhode Island Latino Dollars for Scholars, which awards 25 scholarships annually to local Latino students pursuing higher education.
Betty Clinton is the Director of Finance and Operations at Inspiring Minds – an organization that offers educational opportunities that help students success in school and in life.. She is a dedicated
steward of organizational resources and ensures strategic alignment between financial management and mission-driven goals. Betty holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Liberia, West Africa, and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University and is a resident of Cranston.
Allyson DuPont is an artist and professional who has lived in Cranston most of her life. She is the Program Manager at the Ocean State Center for Independent Living, where she has been able to put
her talents and experience to use for a cause in which she is deeply invested. Affected by a progressive disability that made her dependent on an electric wheelchair by elementary school, Allyson gave her first legislative testimony at the age of 8 and has used her lived experience to fuel a lifetime of advocacy on disability issues.
Logan England is the Director of Resource and Programming for Youth Pride, which is the only LGBTQA-focused youth drop-in center in Rhode Island. Logan oversees the agency’s Rapid Rehousing
Program and is a licensed independent clinician social worker who graduated from Rhode Island College with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a graduate certificate in co-occurring substance use and mental health. Logan lives in West Warwick.
Cindy Montoya serves as the Deputy Director at Progreso Latino, where she plays a key leadership role in advancing the organization’s strategic goals, strengthening program infrastructure, and supporting staff development and community partnerships. Her diverse background includes more than 14 years of healthcare experience and roles in case management, pediatric services, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Cindy is a proud resident of Central Falls and earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Rhode Island College.
Justine Oliva, Ph.D., is the Director of Policy & Research at the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC). In her role, she leads RIPEC’s policy and research agenda, providing in-depth analysis and policy solutions on key issues that include taxation, K-12 education, the state budget, municipal finance, and the economy. A lifelong Rhode Islander, she lives in South Kingstown.
Tatiana Reis is a Black Studies scholar, educator, and the Deputy Director at Youth in Action, a Providence-based nonprofit committed to youth leadership. She is passionate about documenting the work of freedom fighters, building systems rooted in justice and care, and dedicated to transforming communities through education, advocacy, and action. Tatiana is a born and raised Rhode Islander who lives in Pawtucket.
Dan Swain is the Director of Development and Programs for Newport Festivals Foundation, which continues the legacy of the Newport Jazz & Folk Festivals and expands their impact through music
education initiatives throughout Rhode Island. During his tenure, the Foundation has expanded its programs to become one of the largest music education nonprofits in the Ocean State. Dan is a graduate of Northeastern University and received his Nonprofit Management Certificate from the Harvard Extension School.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals.
Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.