Is the School Year Working?: Education in RI During a Volatile Climate

Join the LRI Women's Network for a vital and interesting discussion about education during a pivotal time in history.

This dynamic panel represents various sectors in the sphere of education. They will share their personal insights and experience during this time. We welcome your attendance and participation for this invigorating conversation.

Panelists

Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green

Angélica Infante-Green has served as the Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education since April 29, 2019. During her first year as Commissioner, she instituted several major efforts to improve K-12 education across the state, most notably leading a comprehensive review of the Providence Public School District. She is now leading the state intervention in the city’s schools to overcome decades of neglect and poor performance. Prior to joining RIDE, she served as the Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Instructional Support. Infante-Green began her career as a bilingual classroom teacher in the South Bronx. Since leaving the classroom, she has served in a variety of roles focused on improving instruction for all students, particularly multi-lingual learners. She held several leadership positions for the New York City School Department, and she was a member of the first cohort of the Chiefs for Change Future Chiefs program. As a first-generation American, Infante-Green sees her first day as a teacher as a life-changing moment where she realized her personal calling. Having herself learned English in school, and as the parent of achild with special needs, she has fought to replace a “deficit” view with an “enrichment” view for students who need more. Infante-Green earned an M.A. in Education and in School Administration & Supervision from Mercy College. She is married with a son and daughter.

Daniela Fairchild (LRI '18)

Daniela Fairchild serves as the Director of Operations and Special Projects for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. In this role, she ensures cohesion and efficiency between all Commerce Corporation and Executive Office of Commerce projects as well as guides the internal systems and processes that allow Commerce to best serve clients and partners. Her background is in the education, nonprofit, and government sectors. Most recently, Daniela served as the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Innovation, where she led strategic deployment of an integrated portfolio of twenty systems innovation projects–at stages ranging from proof-of-concept to sustainability. Prior to this role, she developed advocacy campaigns and organizational strategy for RI-CAN, managed internal capacity building at 50CAN, guided policy research at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and ran program evaluation for Africare. Daniela started her career as a high school special education teacher and enjoyed serving as an urban high school rowing coach for six years.

Sulina Mohanty (CLRI '06)

Sulina began her career in education as a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. She then transitioned into coaching and administrative roles in Washington, DC, Boston, and her home state of Rhode Island. Through various roles, her focus has been on empowering students, the adults that serve them, and communities. She is now an independent consultant working with individuals, school districts, and organizations across the country to support them in maximizing the potential of their people. She specializes in social emotional learning, meeting the needs of learners with differing abilities, leadership development, and advocacy. Additionally, she works directly with youth in her community through collaborating on running a teen center, prevention programs, and mentoring. Sulina also serves as the Vice-chair of the Nowell Academy School Board and is on the Board of Directors for the University of Rhode Island Foundation and Alumni Engagement.

Rich Norris

Rich Norris is the assistant principal at 360 High School in Providence, Rhode Island. Prior to this role, Rich served as a school counselor at at Dr. Jorge Alvarez HS in Providence. Rich has been a strong advocate for positive youth and family development through locating various resources including mental health and medical. He has worked to support young people obtain internship, mentors, visits colleges, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship, and community service. As a school counselor he worked tirelessly for the advancement of young people through higher education.

Rich has been a part of developing various initiatives, including founding the Gentlemen’s Academy, which is a young men’s school and community based leadership academy. He was instrumental in forming and organizing 300 Men, a group dedicated to adult male development and community advocacy for youths and families.

He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor in history and education. He later earned his master degree in school counseling from Providence College.

This event will take place on Zoom. Approved attendees will be e-mailed the meeting link on the morning of the event.

**This is a free event, but please RSVP so we know how many to expect.**