25th Extraordinary Woman Gala Award

Join us in supporting this year’s Extraordinary Woman Award Dinner, as we proudly celebrate our 25th Anniversary, on Sunday, March 8th, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick.

The Extraordinary Woman Award was initiated in March 2001 with the goal of recognizing the outstanding work that women perform in different areas of our community, contributing every day to the improvement of the state of Rhode Island and beyond. This gala is more than just an event; it is a platform to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary achievements of seemingly ordinary women who are making profound impacts within their respective spheres of influence. It is about recognizing the unsung heroes, the trailblazers, and the change-makers who embody resilience, passion, and dedication in their daily endeavors.

2026 Honorees Include:

Alison Bologna – NBC 10 News Anchor

Carolyn Dutra – Dance Studio Owner and Artistic Director

Christine M. Paige – Founder & CEO of Bliss Gives

Elida Hernandez – Owner & CEO, Joy Home Care

Elizabeth Boyle Eckel – Retired Marketing Executive, The Washington Trust Company

Maria Meza – Chef/Owner, Dolores Restaurant

Olinda L. Suchite-Mendez – Small Business Services Administrator at RI Small Business HUB in Skills for RI’s Future

Rhonda Araujo Smith – Investigator, Providence Police Department

Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN – President, Community College of Rhode Island

Shirly P. Castellanos – Teacher, Wife, Family Advocate, and President of Mujeres Positivas

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Host or Publisher Women Development Institute