What began asan idea to increase connection, expand knowledge, and help the local community has blossomed into a nationwide networking powerhouse that will celebrate a milestone anniversary.
FountainHead RI is the brainchild of David Almonte and Jason Dodier. They had a vision of creating a group that works to help other like-minded professionals and grow its influence amongst the business community. With some 1,500 members in this growing group, Almonte finds it hard to believe time has passed so quickly.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel like it has been 10 years because we are having so much fun and loving every second of what we do as individuals, as a team, as an organization, and collectively together as communities across the country,” he said. “We started this organization wanting to surround ourselves with incredibly talented and diverse leaders from all over, never knowing what it would become. We are proud of everything this organization has accomplished and grateful to those who have volunteered, served on our board of directors, joined our advisory committee, showed up to
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Added Dodier, “At the heart of it all, our goal has always been simple: to create moments people will remember, experiences that leave them inspired, and a community that feels like home. This is the true spirit of Rhode Island, and it’s everything Dave and I dreamed of when we started this journey. I couldn’t be prouder, and I’m ready to embrace the next ten years just as we began, with curiosity, courage, and an unstoppable sense of purpose.”
According to Almonte, the idea behind FountainHead RI originated out of a “need” to surround themselves with incredibly- talented individuals who were doing amazing things both in and out of the workplace. People who were always striving for more – not out of greed – but out of pure joy and a commitment to constant self-improvement and growth. It turned out that a lot of high achievers and community leaders wanted the exact same thing – a community of rock stars to surround themselves with to learn, connect, grow, and give back.
Almonte said it was something that wasn’t offered before, and that it would be a game changer in doing so.
“We took a fresh look at the ways in which individuals in the business community connected with one another and quickly realized that the networking world needed a drastic overhaul and we decided to jump right in,” he said.
Prior to Covid, their organization was mostly from New England. They noticed a difference among attendees at their 2020 end of year event, in which 40% of attendees were from outside New England. That prompted a reset in its direction. They decided to utilize key tenants such as their virtual community spotlights and fireside chats to lay the foundation to do just that.
“Change is the only constant these days, and we like to believe that FountainHead RI is a big reason behind some of the changes we are seeing in communities throughout RI (and beyond), as we flip the education and networking landscape upside down. In a time when there is so much divide in the world, FountainHead RI is the constant leaders can count on to bring people together, to discuss hot topics, to bring the real issues to light, and to work together to create real change,” Almonte said.
Their mission is bringing together and connecting diverse, like-minded individuals from around the world who share a similar passion, vision and ambition for moving local and global communities forward. They host education panel events (on topics such as financial literacy, sustainability, leadership, art and culture, and many more) throughout the year that also encompass informal networking as connecting business and community leaders.
Besides panel events, they conduct live community spotlights via Facebook, whereby they host a rising star, industry, or community leader for a one-on-one fireside chat to learn more about what they are doing and how others can get involved. They bring everyone they meet throughout the year together each December for a huge informal networking event which has now become a legendary event for the organization.
For Jason, it means forging meaningful connections with new colleagues.
“We’ve supported nonprofits, elevated emerging leaders, and welcomed innovators from around the world to our great little state. What began as a simple idea — to create a space where opportunity meets purpose, has evolved into a
living ecosystem of hope, collaboration, and leadership,” Dodier said.
FountainHeadRI will host its “Business and Community Leaders Networking Event” on December 4th at The University Club, located at 219 Benefit St., in Providence.
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Info/tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-10th-annual-business-and-community-leaders-networking-event-tickets-1628454413989?aff=oddtdtcreator
FountainHeadRI is a not-for- profit, 501©(3) organization, which started back in 2017, and has since grown into a 1,500+ community of diverse, like-minded leaders from around the globe. What began as a small idea, quickly picked up steam and has since exploded into a revolution.
Anyone interested in learning more or looking to stay in the loop on all things FountainHead RI are invited to join the organization’s email list and to follow the group on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram (@fountainheadri) (most active on LinkedIn).
