Dr. Tammy Vargas Warner

BOARD CHAIR

Dr. Warner brings to the IM board her passion for education and a strong belief in the power that coaching, mentorship, and positive classroom environments can have on the educational experiences of youth. She is the president and CEO of Distinctive Success Solutions – a small firm providing executive coaching, leadership development, and strategic facilitation services that enhance workforce effectiveness, strengthen leadership systems, and support organizational change. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Tammy served as a higher education leader for the state of Rhode Island in leadership roles first at the University of Rhode Island and culminating her career as assistant commissioner for postsecondary academic and student affairs. 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.

Rothel De La Cruz

Interim Treasurer

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.

Wendy Wallance

Secretary

Wendy Wallace is the Director of Civic Engagement for Brown University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s strategy around community engagement. She coordinates anchor resource initiatives such as supplier diversity and inclusive pathways, as well as college access programs and workforce development opportunities.

Before her time at Brown, Wendy managed the state’s largest career readiness initiative, PrepareRI, alongside the Governor’s Office, the Department of Labor and Training, the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, RI Commerce, and CCRI. She is a Career Coach and Educational Consultant, who has served over 600 clients.

As a native Rhode Islander, she deeply values being able to serve her community in various capacities. Wendy is also a wife, mother of two children, and an active faith community member. She is an avid reader and lover of music and quaint coffee shops.

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.

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.

Lauren J. Nance

Board member

Lauren J. Nance identifies herself as a Black & Indigenous woman who is a fierce advocate of all things that make life greater for her people. She is a native Providence resident. Professionally her career brought her to United Way of RI almost 4 years ago and she currently serves as a Program Officer in their Corporate Engagement Department. After working in corporate America for the majority of her adult life, her job at UWRI allows her to bring that knowledge to the Non (social) profit sector. In addition, Lauren also shares in the business operations of JustinCase Media, a multifaceted art and media business owned by her and her husband. Love is the driving force behind all that Lauren does. She finds her joy in the movement of her community. Lauren shares work with her friends and fellow freedom fighters through the support of KFM Leadership, a team of Black Providence community leaders.

KATHLEEN ROSE

BOARD MEMBER

Kathleen M. Rose joins the Inspiring Minds Board with a professional background in marketing project management at Brown University. Currently serving as the Manager of Marketing Project Management at Brown, with nearly two decades of experience in project management and content operations, Kathleen is an expert at navigating complex organizational needs and building collaborative teams.

Beyond her professional role, Kathleen is a volunteer and leader, serving on multiple committees for the United Way of Rhode Island and co-chairing the President’s Staff Advisory Council at Brown.

A lifelong learner and problem solver, she is passionate about using her professional expertise in process improvement and relationship management to support the mission of Inspiring Minds and the success of students it serves. Kathleen is honored to support Inspiring Minds’ mission of connecting community members with students to build the skills and confidence necessary for lifelong success. In her free time Kathleen loves to read, knit, and spend time with her family.