Dr. Tammy Vargas Warner

BOARD CHAIR

Tammy brings to the IM board her passion for education and strong belief in the power that mentorship and positive classroom environments can have on the educational experiences of youth. She currently serves as the assistant commissioner for postsecondary academic and student affairs for the State of Rhode Island. Tammy brings over 19 years of higher education experience fueled by a passion for innovation and change and a focus on ways to improve pathways to college access and completion for BIPOC students. Tammy received her Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She earned a B.S. and M.S. in human development from University of Rhode Island.

Margaret Koosa

Vice Chair

Margaret (Maggie) has been a member of the Board since March 2019. She holds degrees in mathematics and education. Maggie is a Financial Advisor and CEO of The Alchemists. Prior to her career in wealth management, she taught high school level mathematics for 12 years and worked at a local non-profit organization. She believes in the power of education and loves the mission of the organization.

Jen Linton

Secretary

Jen is a Board member for Inspiring Minds. She holds a B.A. in History from Rhode Island College and a M.A. of Library and Information Studies from the University of Rhode Island. Jen has been a reference librarian for 15 years and loves providing patrons with good books, entertaining programs, and quality research. Jen joined the Board of Directors to support the mission of Inspiring Minds and to gain a deeper knowledge of how nonprofits work. In her free time, she likes to travel, cook, and spend time with family.

Kimberly Bright

CHAIR EMERITUS

Kimberly is the Chief of Staff to the Rhode Island Postsecondary Commissioner and as the Interim Executive Director of the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center. Kimberly received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, as well as an M.P.A. from Harvard University.

Prior to joining the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, Kimberly served in a variety of government positions, including the Chief of Staff to the Commissioner and Policy Director at the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

She shares, “I am a product of Providence Public Schools and it is my honor to give back to the community that I still call home today. I know that without the mentorship of adults who helped nurture a love of education within me, I would not be the person I am today.”

James Wiley

Board member

James is VP, Product and Research at ListEdTech. Prior to joining ListEdTech, James was Principal Analyst at Eduventures Research, Encoura. Prior to Eduventures, James was Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services at the Center for Educational Leadership and Technology (CELT), where he led efforts to develop a network infrastructure redesign project for a Texas school district rollout of instructional tablets and to develop a statewide information security management system for over 400 school districts for the Massachusetts Department of Education. Before CELT, James successfully designed and managed over 15 large-scale education technology engagements, including the New York State Education Portal, the Rhode Island Department of Education Statewide Longitudinal Data System, and the Hawaii Enterprise Application Integration Solution projects. James has a wealth of experience in education technology and helping all stakeholders understand the steps required to successfully implement and manage enterprise systems. At Eduventures, James focuses on helping stakeholders understand the success criteria for technology and on ensuring alignment between their technology applications and organizational goals. James lives in Providence, Rhode Island and holds an MA and a BA in Classics from Cambridge University, a Certificat d’Enseignant in Sociology from L’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, and a BA in Philosophy, Greek and Latin from Lehman College, The City University of New York.

Cendhi Arias Henry

Board member

Cendhi Arias Henry is a dynamic and innovative educator passionate about creating identify-safe and inclusive learning communities. With a sharp lens on equity and social justice, Cendhi ensures students and teachers have the tools to unpack biases, dismantle stereotypes, and build welcoming communities. She relishes the joyful, small moments that make a school feel like home. Cendhi focuses intently on respecting and celebrating the diverse identities, abilities, and dynamic families and students she cares for each year.

Rothel De La Cruz

Board member

Rothel joined the Inspiring Minds Board of Directors in 2019 and currently serves as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair for the organization. As an immigrant, a son of educators and a product of the Providence Public School District, Rothel has experienced firsthand the value of dedicated tutoring and mentoring as both a student and a volunteer. Rothel has worked for Citizens Bank for over 15 years. Currently, he serves as Vice President and Senior Manager of Capital Management. In his spare time, Rothel enjoys reading and occasionally playing guitar.

Dan Procaccini

Board member, Governance Committee

Dan joined the Board of Inspiring Minds in 2022 and serves on its Governance Committee. He is a shareholder with the law firm Adler, Pollock, & Sheehan P.C. and maintains a broad litigation practice representing clients in complex commercial disputes, product liability actions, intellectual property conflicts, land use contests, and constitutional challenges. He advises clients across a variety of industries, including product manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, non-profits, and technology companies. Dan also maintains an active pro bono practice and has provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal aid for non-profit arts organizations, incarcerated individuals, and low-income clients with urgent needs. He is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and Boston College Law School.

Lorraine N. Lalli

Board Member, Governance Committee-Chair

Lorraine Lalli is Associate Dean of Student Life and Operations at Roger William Law School in Bristol, RI. In this position, she works with senior university and law school administration to support law students in their academic, professional and personal goals. She is a member of the Admissions Committee and helps lead diversity and inclusion efforts as a member of the School of Law’s Diversity Strategic Plan Steering Committee. She previously served as the Law School’s inaugural Director of Diversity & Outreach.

Lorraine is a magna cum laude graduate of Spelman College and Roger Williams University School of Law. Lorraine is admitted to the state bars of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and practiced with Brown Rudnick, LLP in Boston before returning to her alma mater to direct diversity initiatives. In this role, Dean Lalli energized existing programs designed to improve the academic experience and success of students from diverse backgrounds.

Lorraine lives in Providence and is active in the local community. She volunteers regularly at Amos House and serves on the Board of Directors for the Mt. Hope Learning Center and One Neighborhood Builders. She previously served as a member of the Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Committee and as a member of the Providence School Board. She is an avid runner, completing five marathons.

Laura Hart

Board Member, Fund Development – Chair

Laura Hart is a seasoned communications professional with 20 years of progressively responsible positions in education and government. Her versatile skill set includes integrated marketing communications, public relations, issues management/crisis communications, employee and stakeholder communications, branding, publication design and special events planning. She currently serves as chief public affairs officer for the RI Department of Administration.

Elida Subashi-Mezini

Board Member

Elida is a member of the Board of Directors of Inspiring Minds. She brings over 10 years of banking experience working her way up from teller to Assistant Vice President Private Banker at Navigant Credit Union. In her current role, Elida maintains preferred account relationships and handles the credit union’s specialty accounts. She received B.A in Business Administration and Management from University of Tirana and a MS in Leadership and HR from University of Marlin Barleti, both in Albania. Some of her accomplishments include a Certification for “Developing Great Managers”, Navigant Credit Union’s representative at the Bryant Women’s Summit, and was selected for CUNA GAC as a Crasher. Elida was inspired to join the board of Inspiring Minds because its mission aligns with her own passions, namely helping the community and investing her time in ways that helps children, who are our future. Elida has volunteered and served as a chairperson for Children’s Wishes, even hosting her own charity event, while also serving on the board of Lonsdale Parents Teacher as treasurer. In her spare time Elida enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, walking, and playing volleyball.