Amazing Women Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to the fourth oldest state historical society in the country, Executive director, MORGAN GREFE of the RI Historical Society, discusses some of the state’s must-see social and historical sites. She also explains the historical significance of the ‘three-deckers’ where immigrant families lived and walked to nearby factory jobs.

Coastal management of the 420 miles of coastline really matters in the Ocean State. PAULA BONTEMPI, Dean of URI School of Oceanography, discusses the importance of the Blue Economy in our state, coastal resiliency, and the lure of Narragansett Bay.

The Narragansett Indians have been in Rhode Island for over 30,000 years, according to archeological evidence and oral history. LOREN SPEARS, a Narragansett tribal member and executive director of the Tomaquag Museum, discusses the history, culture and future of the indigenous people.

MARY BURKE is the longest-tenured coach in the history of women’s and men’s basketball in Rhode Island. She has coached the women’s basketball team at Bryant University for over 30 years and has over 415 wins. Coach Burke is one of the few people who coaches a RI college sport and is a native of Rhode Island. She’s coaching these women on competition, winning, and life lessons.

MARCELA BETANCUR, director of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University, discusses equity, housing, education, and the economic contributions of the Hispanic community in the state.