If there were ever a place to grow an idea from sticky note scrawlings to community-backed cooperatives, it’s Providence. Small enough to forge connections and keen enough to test the waters with new ideas, the Creative Capital is an ideal entrepreneurial playground for innovation – whether incubating enterprising pursuits in a range of industries, fostering equitable opportunities for youth, addressing the climate crisis, mining our city’s history to source solutions for today, or imagining a more just world.
At Providence Monthly, our January Who to Watch feature is all about identifying and celebrating standout individuals who have emerged on our radar – we keep our ears to the ground all year for rising stars you may not have heard of yet but will soon see their efforts permeate the fabric of our city. It is our honor to introduce you to nine industrious go-getters poised to shake things up in 2024 and beyond.
Who to Watch honorees each answered five questions about their work and plans for the city in 2024; answers were minimally edited or trimmed by our team to account for space. To learn more, follow each individual on social media or online.
Watch Victor Baez Grow a Platform for Underrepresented Voices
I am a born-and-raised Providence Afro-Latino Dominican kid who grew up on the Southside proudly with immigrant parents. I am now the owner of the most popular independent podcast and YouTube channel in the state. I cover and break some of the biggest stories that happen in this city. I film and edit everything myself locally and I highlight Providence artists and businesses every week. I do not plan on ever leaving this city. I worked very hard to graduate from Classical High School and become my family’s first-generation college graduate with a business degree from the University of Rhode Island. I remained an entrepreneur throughout and have yet to work for anyone other than myself. I am now raising my son with my girlfriend of seven years in this city.
Every time I go outside, the people of Providence refer to me as the “Mayor.” Even though they’re joking, it’s a subliminal role of responsibility they’re placing on me. I am passionate about learning and showing people what I have learned, and without trying, I’ve filled a need for leadership this city has lacked, especially for the Black and Brown community of kids and young adults. This is something I have come to realize in the past few months.
I’m looking to continue developing more platforms and content to highlight local artists, and regular everyday people – everything from a dating show to a homeless sheltering program, to a backseat freestyle performance show for musicians.
I currently run and do everything myself and hope to generate more revenue to hire staff. This would allow me to employ local kids who want to do what I currently do, and to finally pay my friends for all of the time they spend with me filming content.
My two-year-old son Ocean Nasir Baez, who is part of both the Cambodian and Dominican communities of Providence, and he’s named after the Ocean State – everything I do is to solidify a future for my family, all while still remaining passionate and having fun at my job.
Watch Marisa Angell Brown Tell Stories of the Past Through Equitable Preservation Now
I moved here for love! I’m from New York City, am half-Korean, and grew up in Dubai, so Providence was not the obvious place for me to end up, but I’m so thankful I have because I love everything about it. I’m just completing my first months as executive director of Providence Preservation Society (PPS), a non-profit that over the last 60+ years has spearheaded the successful preservation and adaptive reuse of buildings and cultural landscapes that tell significant stories about our past.
I’m joining PPS during a time of transformation in the field of preservation practice, as we reckon with the wildly uneven benefits and burdens that have been the result of preservation scholarship, policy, and advocacy, such as gentrification and displacement. That’s the case here in Providence as much as it is in other cities across the country. At PPS, this means continuing to strengthen and develop our relationships with communities across the city so we truly are an organization that serves all 25 neighborhoods equally. I see this work as deeply connected to issues of justice, equity, and civic engagement, and that’s what motivates me to do it.
I hope PPS will play a significant role in redefining how we think about the city’s history and heritage by celebrating a wide diversity of places and community stories. But I also think that PPS needs to be out front, evangelizing for the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and places within the context of climate change and the city’s sustainability goals. Cities that continue to choose demolition and new construction over adaptive reuse will not be able to meaningfully reduce their carbon emissions.
Money and time! PPS is small but mighty; it’s a legacy institution that keeps company with organizations that have two to five times as many staff, but we sure could use some more money and more hours in the day to do the work that needs doing.
Providence gives me optimism; it was a gift that my husband gave to me, and it’s a gift we have given our children.
Watch Priscilla De La Cruz Carry Out Climate Justice in Frontline Communities
Growing up in Providence, I was motivated by the challenges of energy and economic uncertainties that I witnessed my Dominican family experiencing, heightened by poor air quality and severe asthma. Shortly after graduating from Rhode Island College, I worked for local nonprofits, dedicating my career to making green energy accessible, advancing environmental protection, and addressing climate justice issues. After completing a master’s degree at Harvard University, I fully leaned into my advocacy voice to lead coalitions like the Environment Council of RI and Climate Jobs RI, where I fostered collaboration on state policies to further climate action.
Today, I remain driven by the goal of improving quality of life for Providence residents and creating more opportunities and access for communities to thrive.
As Providence’s director of sustainability, my priority is implementing the Climate Justice Plan and honoring its intentional framework that centers racial equity and meaningful community engagement. When we center the voices of communities of color, Indigenous people, and low-income neighborhoods that are disproportionately impacted by pollution and decades of disinvestment, we’re committing to not leaving any of our frontline communities behind.
The reality is that we must adapt to a warming climate and support the resiliency of our communities as we work to lessen the impacts of climate change. As we do our part to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions – like the carbon dioxide from the fossil fuel energy we consume – extreme weather events will continue to increase, further exacerbating the challenges our frontline communities face. During heatwaves, they have limited tree canopy cover or greenspaces. In flood-prone areas, there is little natural stormwater infrastructure like trees and grass to combat flash flooding. These challenges reinforce the need to be intentional and work alongside residents to identify and meet their needs.
Community, family, and collaboration keep me optimistic. The climate change crisis requires that we support one another, and I think we’re recognizing that we’re at a moment in climate action.
Born and raised in Providence, I am a father of three children and husband to Mayra Soto-Johnson. I am the founder of the Rosa Parks Resource Center and media platform Teen Connect, as well as the co-founder of Culture Fest RI and Peace and Love Day. I love farming at Bami Farm, where we grow veggies and educate the community about the importance of growing their own food and eating healthily.
The planned Rosa Parks Community Resource Center, at a former mosque and adjoining building on Prairie Avenue, is a needed solution for youth and families, especially Black and Brown Rhode Islanders in forgotten, underfunded, and neglected Providence communities. Programs tailored to our needs are few and far between. We need a place for us, and it can’t just be a gymnasium to play basketball in. Our Black and Brown families and children deserve a safe place owned by people who look like them where we can grow together, get resources, and have outlets for youth to learn new skills, be creative, and foster their brilliance.
The Rosa Parks Center will have a multipurpose room where community meetings can be held and resources for job opportunities, health options, and housing information can be found. There will also be a classroom with computers for youth of color to learn key job and life skills, an art gallery, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. Through Teen Connect, I also aspire to amplify the voices of the younger generation by providing a platform for their perspectives.
Too often community organizations have to compete with each other for funding, and it makes it harder to collaborate. We all know that we can have a greater impact when we come together, but resources are so scarce, and that makes it challenging.
With the opening of the Rosa Parks Resource Center bringing much-needed services and programs, I have a reason to be optimistic. We’re building community with the people of South Providence and creating a space where people can ask for help with dignity.
Many Rhode Island College (RIC) students are from Providence and are graduates of Providence high schools. My number one goal is to ensure these students receive an excellent education and have a positive and supportive academic experience. I also want to meet the needs of Providence businesses and employers by preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to be productive and successful employees. I meet with businesses and nonprofits to learn about their workforce needs and then work to meet them, creating a pipeline for our students.
My motivation is creating opportunities for Providence students and their families by providing a pathway to higher education and supporting these students through graduation and beyond to create career opportunities that will lead to not only financial well-being but overall well-being. I am passionate about working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students and families
RIC, as a public institution, takes seriously its mission to serve the community. In the School of Business, we do this in many ways: through partnerships with community organizations and state agencies, we are very involved in workforce development initiatives, creating certificate programs, apprenticeships, and career ladders. Through our new institute, Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, we will also be supporting small businesses and municipalities, like Providence, in assuring their cyber protection and safety.
There is no limit to our ideas for plans for 2024 – the challenge is always finding time and resources to do it all.
RIC is a college on the move and every day we are reaching out to build partnerships and identify ways we can better support the community. It has been exciting to foster new relationships with Providence-based businesses and community leaders and explore opportunities for collaboration. I am also optimistic about the Governor’s Learn365 RI initiative and the role RIC will play in supporting municipal learning centers, including the city of Providence.
Watch Lindsey Lidia Ramirez Open Doors for Women Entrepreneurs
Rhode Island is my home turf – I was born in Pawtucket and raised in Providence. My journey has taken unexpected turns, from pursuing a degree in business to immersing myself in finance, teaching English, and finally transitioning to becoming a software engineer after attending a coding bootcamp. My five-year solo travels profoundly shaped my perspective. Now, as director of the RI Women’s Business Center part of the Center for Women & Enterprise, I’m committed to empowering women entrepreneurs in their unique journeys.
My motivation and work are fueled by the glaring need for tailored resources for women in our community. Drawing on personal experiences, I recognize the stigmas women face, especially when venturing into territories like entrepreneurship. The fact that over 70 percent of women multitask as caretakers while building businesses underscores the importance of our mission. My focus is on uplifting all women, particularly those underserved, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled, fostering self-sufficiency in the face of societal challenges.
I aim to elevate the visibility of the RI Women’s Business Center as a go-to resource for women from diverse backgrounds. By building a strong, inclusive community of women entrepreneurs, we will debunk the myth of isolation in their entrepreneurial journeys. My ultimate goal is to position the center as the prime inclusive hub for supporting women entrepreneurs in Rhode Island.
Anticipated challenges in 2024 include managing the bandwidth needed to cover Rhode Island effectively. However, with our dynamic team supported by a robust network, a skilled and connected advisory board, and dedicated volunteers, we are well prepared to navigate any hurdles that may arise.
My optimism for 2024 stems from the brilliance, talent, and indomitable spirit of our clients and the wider women’s community. Witnessing the enthusiasm, need, and collective purpose in supporting women through events and connections reaffirms my commitment to making Rhode Island, and society at large, a better place for women in business.
Watch Amalfi Rosario Bridge Barriers in Healthcare Access
I moved to Providence when I was 10 years old from the Dominican Republic, and I’ve considered this city my home ever since. With a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Rhode Island College and certification as a community health worker, I’ve dedicated the past decade of my life to working in the healthcare field and actively engaging with the community. I take great pride in serving as the owner of Healthcare Connect to address the multifaceted social determinants of health. Our commitment goes beyond connecting clients to resources; we also ensure they attend their doctor’s appointments and coordinate services to provide comprehensive assistance.
Witnessing my own family’s struggles accessing resources due to language barriers deeply impacted me. Social determinants of health refer to various factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare, that influence an individual’s overall well-being and health outcomes. There exists a gap among our clients who lack awareness of the available support. Our community health workers are steadfast in ensuring they receive necessary assistance.
Whether it’s through community initiatives or advocating for important social causes, I aim to be a force for positive change and progress in our city, and to leave a lasting impression by guaranteeing our clients have access to vital resources and know that they have a dedicated support system, someone who speaks their language, and is readily available to assist them. This way, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone can fully participate and flourish.
One significant challenge we’ll face is the persistent housing shortage and homelessness issue, which directly affects our clients. Finding sustainable solutions for affordable housing and addressing the needs of the homeless population will be a complex endeavor. Ongoing public health concerns may further complicate our efforts. Overcoming these challenges will require a multifaceted approach.
The resilience and adaptability of our community and our capacity for positive change. As we learn from past challenges, we are better equipped to navigate the road ahead and build a brighter future for our community.
Watch Jeffrey Yoo Warren Use the Past to Inform a More Just Future
I’m a Korean American artist educator working with histories and archival research to reconnect with my ancestors. This often takes the form of woodworking, papercraft, and ceramics, but in the past couple years, it has also involved digital tools like 3D modeling, using old photographs. This approach began when I learned that I currently live in the downtown Providence neighborhood which was once Chinatown. I’m doing a residency at the Library of Congress in which I make use of these “relational reconstruction” techniques to explore our relationships with erased early communities of color.
My work builds meaning through dialogue with fellow Asian Americans, who are my primary audience and inspiration. It’s a way for me to connect more deeply with my own family and cultural heritage, and to take part in our collective history.
Though it begins in the past, my work is really about the future. By building and re-establishing connections with our predecessors, I hope present-day Asian Americans in Providence, and all residents, are inspired to envision a more just future. Learning about both the hard truths about our collective pasts, as well as the joys, lays important groundwork for reparation and healing.
We live in a deeply unjust world, and I know many of us carry pain both from our own (and our ancestors’) experiences and heartache from witnessing world events. I write this as we hear daily of brutal attacks on hospitals in Gaza, and suffering around the world. I have to think of what many of our ancestors survived throughout history and feel them standing behind us; I see safety, dignity, and liberation for the oppressed peoples of the world as a challenge we must all live up to.
I’m struck by how much I’ve learned and grown, thanks to those I’ve met and worked with. None of us are “past” transformation in our lives. When I dream of the future, I dream of houses we could build together, ancestral crafts we could teach one another, connections and traditions we could re-establish and reinvent, and seeds we could plant.
Since coming to Providence more than 20 years ago to attend Johnson & Wales for culinary nutrition, the city has been an integral part of my culinary education and work experience. I’ve worked at institutions such as Al Forno as well as Michelin-rated and James Beard-winning establishments in Boston and Washington DC. My work with the adult education organization Genesis Center is to imagine and build the Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP), a workforce education restaurant that furthers the opportunities available to budding culinary professionals in the city and beyond.
In an ever-demanding restaurant industry, CHOP is a response to a critical need. Our motivation is to bridge the gap between the industry’s demand for passionate, skilled workers and the dreams of those eager to enter the culinary world (or skill up to management roles and entrepreneurship). The mission is driven by a vision of fostering inclusivity and offering life-changing opportunities to aspiring culinary talents.
By creating a platform for cooks from diverse backgrounds to share their heritage, life, and culture through food with the city at large. For example, chefs often travel to get firsthand experience cooking with locals, yet here in Providence, which is home to so many culturally diverse individuals, we have the ability to share information that can benefit us all. I hope through CHOP’s menu, workshops, and educational activities, we can promote and educate those interested in food, and help culinary professionals find pathways to financial security through a career in the hospitality field.
We are challenged with operating a unique business model in a new and untested restaurant space. The hospitality industry can often have slim margins, and everyone is battling increases in the cost of labor and goods. Responding to these challenges and integrating our overall social mission will be a major focus.
The success over the past 40 years of the Genesis Center and its staff and leadership team, along with the development of strategic partnerships, including support from city and state agencies, shows that we have a community of supporters.
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