Carrie Zaslow
Carrie Zaslow
Executive Director, Providence Revolving Fund
Friday, September 6th, 1:30PM - 2:20PM | Funding Your Vision Panel
Helena Moronta
Helena Moronta
First Vice President Community Development Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer, Bay Coast Bank
Ms. Moronta First Vice President of Community Development, DEI Officer at BayCoast Bank, has over 20 years in finance. She excels in team building, curriculum development, and policy implementation, with a strong record in driving sales and improvements. She serves on multiple boards and is deeply committed to community service and youth empowerment.
Friday, September 6th, 1:30PM - 2:20PM | Funding Your Vision Panel
Cheryl Galloway
Cheryl Galloway
AVP Community Development Officer, Bristol County Savings Bank
Friday, September 6th, 1:30PM - 2:20PM | Funding Your Vision Panel
Cristopher Rafael Llópiz Osorio
Cristopher Rafael Llópiz Osorio
President, Puerto Rican Professional Association of Rhode Island (PRPARI) & Financial Solution Advisor.
Cristopher Llópiz is a Financial Solution Advisor at a leading financial institution in the country, Commissioner in the Providence Human Relation Commission (PHRC), and President of the Puerto Rican Professional Association of RI. With over five years of experience in the financial industry, Cris has guided numerous individuals and business owners toward achieving their goals. He firmly believes that the future of entrepreneurship in the U.S. will be shaped by diverse cultural backgrounds, and that education within communities is key to navigating this change.
Friday, September 6th, 1:30PM - 2:20PM | Funding Your Vision Panel
Melba Depeña Affigne
Melba Depeña Affigne
Vice President of Economic Development, Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Melba is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where she received a B.A. in Political Science and a Masters in Human Development and Family Studies. Melba's career is a testament to her dedication to social impact and community development. With over two decades of experience, she has made significant strides in advancing and promoting equity and fostering civic engagement in Rhode Island. In her current role as the VP of Economic Development at Skills For Rhode Island’s Future, Melba leads the RI Small Business Hub. This initiative plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance and capacity training to women and minority-owned businesses, helping them thrive in a competitive landscape. Her work continues to make a tangible difference in the local economy and in the lives of many entrepreneurs.
Friday, September 6th, 1:30PM - 2:20PM | Funding Your Vision Panel
Priscilla De La Cruz
Priscilla De La Cruz
Director of Sustainability
Friday, September 6th, 2:30PM - 4PM | Breaking New Ground: Opportunities for Equity In Emerging Industries Panel
Chazeen Pemberton
Chazeen Pemberton
TV Producer & Content Creator, Chazeen.com
Chazeen is a creative best known for her impactful contributions to digital media and broadcast television. As a Cynopsis-nominated video producer and speaker she's collaborated with top media outlets and Fortune 500 companies like NBC, BET, Complex Networks, Google, and the New York Times. Known for her rich resourcefulness and laid-back insights, Chazeen has also earned a loyal social media following of lifestyle enthusiasts who trust her life hacks on everything from wellness and beauty to travel and home design.
Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:20PM | Industry insights: Arts, Culture & Entertainment Panel
Sharon Ashley
Sharon Ashley
DJ LadyRuck
Sharon Ashley, better known as DJ LadyRuck, is a Rhode Island (RI) born DJ and local celebrity. With a massive RI following, she has been the opening DJ for concerts and shows for the likes of Styles P, Lil Kim, Soul for Real, Johnny Gill and August Alsina, to name a few. She has graced popular Rhode Island venues like The Strand Ballroom, Jovan’s Multiplex, Karma, Fete MusicHall, Troop Pvd, Alchemy, Art Bar, Mardi Gras, Low Key and Courtland Club. The popular DJ has also held residencies at RI staples such as Snubs,South St. Café and Jay L danas. Lady Ruck attributes her love of music to her late father who himself was a musician. She got her start as a radio host at WRIU while attending The University of RI. This ultimately led to her exploring the world of djing and began rocking college parties. After college Lady Ruck continued to spin records and hone her craft while also stepping out to pursue other endeavors. She assisted in bringing battle rap to the forefront of RI hip hop through the Duel of the Iron Mics competition which aired on Musicfeen.com where she participated in many internet radio shows including The Ladies Lounge. She is also a curator of events and is responsible for many memorable events/shows held in Rhode island such as the 401 Blend Battle which is going on its 3rd annual year which includes djs from several different states. In 2014, LadyRuck was crowned Rhode Island’s blend Queen after the much-heralded competition judged by the likes of DJ Juice and Dirty Harry, as well as local DJ’s Buck, Lefty, and Mike Nice. That same year she was named best night DJ in Providence by a local magazine called the Providence Phoenix. In 2022, She was awarded the Best Event/Wedding DJ Readers choice Award from the Providence Journal.Whether vinyl or serato, crates or hard drives, DJ LadyRuck has stood the test of time and proved that she is a heavyweight in the Rhode Island music industry and beyond. Respected by fans and peers alike, for her vast library and musical knowledge, she continues to rock parties, weddings, clubs, and any place looking for the highest of quality DJ with a superb ear and talent for moving ANY and ALL crowds.
Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:20PM | Industry insights: Arts, Culture & Entertainment Panel
Delia Rodriguez Masjoan
Delia Rodriguez Masjoan
Host, 12 Informa WPRI-TV
Friday, September 6th, 12:30PM - 1:20PM | Industry insights: Arts, Culture & Entertainment Panel
Silvermoon Mars LaRose
Silvermoon Mars LaRose
Assistant Director, Tomaquag Museum
Silvermoon Mars LaRose, a member of the Narragansett Tribe, is the Assistant Director of the Tomaquag Museum. She assists the Executive Director with managing the museum’s collections and archives, cultural education, and the Indigenous Empowerment projects. Silvermoon has worked in tribal communities for over 20 years, serving in the areas of health and human services and education. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to travel extensively, learning from Indigenous communities throughout the United States. Silvermoon is also a member of the Rhode Island Foundation’s inaugural cohort of the Equity Leadership Initiative. As a public servant, Silvermoon serves as the secretary for the Charlestown Conservation Commission, The Rhode Island Council on the Arts, The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, The Avenue Concept Board, and the Rhode Island Foundation Board. As an artist and educator, she hopes to foster Indigenous empowerment through education, community building, and the sharing of cultural knowledge and traditional arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a minor in Justice Law and Society from the University of Rhode Island, and continued her education in Rehabilitation Counseling at Western Washington University.