This March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, the Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) and its Education Foundation (RIHEF) reaffirm their commitment to diversity in leadership, particularly within Rhode Island’s hospitality sector. A diverse leadership team is crucial for both the strength of our organizations and the continued success of the industry. We are thrilled to introduce our incredibly diverse 2025 Boards of Directors, featuring accomplished women whose expertise, innovative thinking, and dedication are invaluable to the advancement of hospitality in our state. Their insights are instrumental in shaping the policies, educational initiatives, and advocacy that define Rhode Island’s dynamic and resilient hospitality landscape.
Women have always been essential to hospitality, contributing significantly to restaurant ownership, hotel management, marketing, and workforce development. However, their representation in executive leadership has often lagged. RIHA is dedicated to closing this gap, fostering not only inclusivity but also empowering women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to lead. Our new board members include industry trailblazers like Gabrielle Clark (Resort Manager, Ocean House), Edmond Assili (Owner, Terrazza Group), Vandana Kumari (General Manager, Renaissance Providence Downtown), Damaris Messina (General Manager, Aloft Hotel Providence), Chris Trosin (Owner, Metro Lobster & Seafood), Jennifer Curtin (General Manager, The Beatrice Hotel), and Anika Kimble-Huntley (Chief Marketing Officer, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation). Their leadership, alongside the contributions of many others, is shaping the future of hospitality in Rhode Island.
Our Education Foundation Board also benefits from the expertise of professionals such as Jennifer Davis (General Manager, The Eddy), Barbara Nauman (Interim Vice President Academic Affairs, CCRI) and Tobey Sanborn (Director of Learning & Development, Newport Restaurant Group), who are vital to workforce training and professional development. These leaders bring unique perspectives, ensuring the next generation of hospitality professionals receives the mentorship and education necessary for success.
By ensuring our boards reflect the diversity of our industry and community, RIHA and RIHEF are reinforcing our commitment to equity and opportunity. We actively work to dismantle historical barriers that have limited the advancement of women and underrepresented groups through leadership training, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives that create meaningful career pathways.
While we celebrate the progress made, we acknowledge that further work is needed. The hospitality industry, like many others, faces ongoing challenges in ensuring equal access to leadership roles, fair pay, and advancement opportunities. RIHA remains committed to advocating for policies and practices that support professional growth, from strengthening workplace protections to expanding educational resources for hospitality professionals at all levels.
This Women’s History Month, we encourage all hospitality businesses to evaluate their leadership structures. Are there opportunities to promote more women to decision-making positions? Are mentorship programs in place to support emerging leaders? Representation matters, and meaningful progress requires intentional effort at every organizational level.
Rhode Island’s hospitality industry thrives when it embraces the full spectrum of talent, perspectives, and experiences. Our 2025 boards exemplify this belief, and we are excited to see the positive impact these exceptional leaders will have in the coming year. RIHA and RIHEF will continue to champion a diverse and inclusive hospitality industry—one that reflects the communities we serve and empowers all professionals to flourish.
For more information on RIHA’s initiatives and resources, visit www.rihospitality.org.
