Phanida Phivilay

Phanida Phivilay
Health Equity Officer & Manager of Community Outreach, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island
Phanida Phivilay is the Health Equity Officer & Manager of Community Outreach at UnitedHealthcare Community & State Plan in Rhode Island. She is responsible for building relationships with high-touch and territorial providers, community organizations, stakeholders, elected officials, and community leaders throughout Rhode Island. She plays a lead role in UnitedHealthcare’s team plan for strategic advancement of ongoing culture work and social determinates of health. Phanida has vast experience addressing health disparities and equity concerns within different communities, participating, and collaborating with the Health Equity Zones (HEZ) throughout Rhode Island. Phanida has over twenty-seven years of experience working in the healthcare field. Phanida has also served on numerous boards such as the Providence Environmental Sustainability Task Force, various councils, and local and state commissions. She also was the first elected Laotian and Southeast Asian female to serve on the Providence School Board. She also most recently serves as a Commissioner for the Rhode Island Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity (CHAE). She has lived in Rhode Island for over forty-four years and is a wife and mother. When she is not working, Phanida enjoys volunteering her time to various community organizations, tending to her garden, and cooking for her family and friends.
Saturday September 7th, 12:00PM - 2:00PM | The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Laura Guillen

Laura Guillen
Executive Director, Entrepreneurship for All
Saturday September 7th, 12:00PM - 2:00PM | The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Roseline Adesuyi

Roseline Adesuyi
Director, Diversity Business Exhibit
Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the international trade and development industry. Strong operations background. Highly skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Microsoft Word, Advertising, Event Management, and Public Speaking.
Saturday September 7th, 12:00PM - 2:00PM | The Ultimate Pitch Contest
Nishita Roy-Pope

Nishita Roy-Pope
Founder & CEO, Tribe Academy
Nishita Roy-Pope is an award-winning leader, former corporate leader at a Fortune 50 global tech company, founder, speaker, and author. As Founder & CEO of her early-stage startup, Tribe Academy, Nishita has impacted thousands of diverse students and professionals and connected them with opportunities at leading companies, such as Nike, Amazon, Fidelity, IGT and more. She leads professional development and leadership trainings, conferences and programs for early and mid-career professionals, managers and Executive leaders and creates access and exposure programs for K-12 and college populations in high growth and emerging fields, including tech, entrepreneurship and the blue economy.
Friday, September 6th, 3:30PM - 4:20PM | The Role of Diversity in Technological Innovation
Jamila Brand
Jamila Brand
Project Manager, Aetna, a CVS Health company
Jamila Brand is a healthcare operations expert with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in project management, data analytics, and technology integration. She leverages her expertise to drive innovation and improve outcomes.
Friday, September 6th, 3:30PM - 4:20PM | The Role of Diversity in Technological Innovation
Michelle Stanfield

Michelle Stanfield
Cyber Range Director, Bridgewater State University
With a steadfast focus on educational equity, Michelle Stanfield has distinguished herself as an insightful education consultant. Her career, ignited at Northeastern University, has been a testament to her innovative spirit, notably through a groundbreaking overnight program that elevated minority enrollment. At the Academy of the Pacific Rim, Michelle's influence extended into family engagement and DEI initiatives, significantly enriching the school's ethos. Her consultancy, established in 2017, reflects her entrepreneurial drive, addressing educational challenges with tailored solutions, including a notable robotics fellowship aimed at empowering Black and Latinx girls. As the newly appointed Cyber Range Director at Bridgewater State University, Michelle is thrilled to leverage her extensive experience and passion for inclusive education to expand and enhance the university's cybersecurity programming. Her pursuit of advanced certifications in AI and cybersecurity highlights her commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies in education, solidifying her role as a vanguard in the field.
Friday, September 6th, 3:30PM - 4:20PM | The Role of Diversity in Technological Innovation
Kristen Cordeiro

Kristen Cordeiro
Deputy Director of Business Services, Rhode Island Department of State
Kristen Cordeiro is Deputy Director of Business Services at the RI Department of State. As Deputy, she is responsible for administering the Notary Public, Trademark, Apostille, and Business Information Center programs with a focus on educational resources and community outreach.
Saturday, September 7th, 11:00AM - 11:50AM | Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials
Neena S. Savage

Neena S. Savage
Tax Administrator, Rhode Island Division of Taxation
Neena S. Savage is an attorney with over 30 years of legal experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from the Washington College of Law of the American University. Neena has been with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation since 2015 and was appointed Tax Administrator in 2017.
Saturday, September 7th, 11:00AM - 11:50AM | Business Blueprint: Your Guide to Getting Started & Entrepreneur Essentials
Marcela Betancur

Marcela Betancur
Executive Director, Latino Policy Institute
Marcela Betancur is the Executive Director of the Latino Policy Institute. For over a decade, she has focused on issues impacting Rhode Islanders, including housing, education, civil liberties, and workforce development. Marcela is passionate about supporting communities to thrive.










