In 2022, a vision was born.
A vision to uplift diverse entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and creatives who often faced social and economic barriers. These trailblazers had talent, passion, and purpose, but they needed opportunities, connections, and platforms to thrive.
That’s where the Diversity Business Exhibit came in.
More than just an event, it became a movement—a regional initiative bridging the gap between communities and opportunities. Through high-profile events, transformative programs, and strategic partnerships with local governments, private enterprises, nonprofits, and academic institutions, we created economically impactful platforms where innovation and collaboration could flourish.
Today, the Diversity Business Exhibit is more than a showcase—it is a catalyst for change, ensuring that every entrepreneur, creator, and nonprofit leader has the chance to succeed, grow, and inspire. Because when communities rise together, everyone wins.
Advisory Board | Planning Committee
- Ahyieh Mansue, The Met School
- Alice Oladele, Msaliceinspires
- Anita Bruno, RI Women in the Trades
- Ashley Greene, Brown University
- Aziza Hawthorne, Federal Defender Fellow
- Bre’Anna Metts-Nixon, AMD Law Group
- Christine M. Paige, Bliss Medical Hair Replacement Center
- Dasjah Versailles, Oakie Naturals
- Diony Garcia, Providence Municipal Housing Court
- Dorca M. Paulino, University of Rhode Island
- Doris Blanchard, RI Commerce Corporation
- Esther Belony, Strong Bond Institute
- Fabrice Michel, Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin
- Hugo Adames, The Talent Factory
- I.Lanre Ajakaiye, 25 Bough Street
- Ijahala Pottinger, Law Offices of Esfand Nafisi
- Jason Suchite, Collette
- Jennifer Ortiz, Executive Cuts Barbershop
- Jenny Bui, Be The Match
- Juan Catala, Construction
- Julius Hoff, Redemption Church
- Jummy Olagundoye, Synergy HomeCare
- Kehinde Adefiyiju, Ernst & Young
- Laura Guillen, Entrepreneurship for All
- Luis Vargas, Brown Rudnick
- Mack Pholsina, Mack Pholsina
- Mary Akindolie, Mary Akindolie Skincare
- Mary Poirier-Catala, Chace Ruttenberg & Freedman
- Michael Monwuba, Microsoft
- Miguel Sanchez, Office of the Governor
- Minnie Luong, Chi Kitchen
- Muraina Akinfolarin, Oasis International
- Naomi Thompson, The Home for Little Wanderers
- Nicole Tingle, Year Up
- Raphael Okelola, ROPLAB IT Solutions
- Ray Nunez, Nunez, The People’s Agency
- Simon Goudiaby, Office of the Governor
- Taiwo Adefiyiju-Monwuba, Community College of Rhode Island
- Teto Moulton, Helping Hands Community Partner
- Loren Spears, Tomaquag Museum