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Dear RICADV,
As we greet 2022 with renewed hope, the next chapter in our organization's story begins. I am honored to serve as interim executive director with the same hope, commitment and passion that has fueled my work over the 18 years I have spent at the RICADV.
I assume this new role with great responsibility and the understanding that our work must continue, to strengthen how we meet the needs of those experiencing domestic abuse in Rhode Island, and how we address the root causes of violence in order to build a safe and just world where all people can thrive.
As the RICADV’s history shows, we can accomplish so much when we work together as a coalition of agencies to move our mission forward. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained over nearly two decades at the RICADV and the relationships I’ve built with advocates and community partners will ensure our advocacy efforts remain effective and responsive during this time of transition. We will continue to listen to and learn from those most impacted by violence to work toward our shared vision, informed by the past, galvanized by the present and inspired by what is possible for the future.
The RICADV staff begins this new part of our journey with some sadness and immense gratitude to Tonya King as she steps down from the executive director position. Tonya remains dedicated to her work in the movement and heads to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, where she’ll serve as vice president of programs and membership. During her tenure at the RICADV, Tonya left a memorable and enduring mark, both on the work we do and in our hearts. She led the RICADV with grace, humility and compassion, navigating through changes and the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her focus on our mission and her tireless advocacy on behalf of victims and their families helped make Rhode Island a safer place. As a staff, we found in Tonya a caring and steadfast leader, an eternal optimist who led from her beliefs in Kingian nonviolence and the Beloved Community and an encouraging mentor and friend. We wish her success in her new position working to end domestic violence on the national level.
As we enter this next chapter, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the RICADV as interim executive director. I look forward to strengthening existing collaborations and forging new partnerships toward our collective vision for our communities. It is because of you - our supporters and partners, survivors and advocates, our member agencies, funders, friends and community members - that we continue on this path to imagine what is possible and fulfill our mission: A Rhode Island free from domestic violence.
Forward, together!
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