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Rhode Island Wave: Community Spotlights

Rhode Island Wave: Community Spotlights

Written by: DEANA M GRENIER
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About this listen

Tune in to "Rhode Island Wave: Community Spotlights," the podcast that amplifies the voices and stories shaping Rhode Island! Each episode features engaging interviews with local business owners, community leaders, and inspiring residents—originally filmed for our popular YouTube channel and print edition. Discover what’s happening across the Ocean State, get behind-the-scenes insights from our video spotlights, and hear firsthand how Rhode Islanders are making a difference. Whether you’re a local or just love good news, this show brings you the people, places, and positive energy that make Rhode Island unique.

The Rhode Island Wave 2022
Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Aaron Guckian: A New Vision for Rhode Island’s Future
    Jan 1 2026

    Is Rhode Island ready for a reset? In this exclusive interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian outlines his bold "Rhode Island Works Smarter" strategy, a plan designed to cut through the red tape, lower the cost of living, and revitalize the Ocean State's economy.

    This video features an in-depth conversation with Deana from the Rhode Island Wave newspaper, where Aaron shares his journey from a local public school teacher and banker to a leader in state advocacy. You'll get a firsthand look at his five-pillar platform, which focuses on making the state affordable, rebuilding the education system, and fixing a broken healthcare model. Aaron explains how leveraging modern technology and empowering state workers can lead to massive savings—savings he plans to pass directly back to working families by reducing taxes and eliminating unnecessary fees.

    Whether you are a concerned parent, a business owner, or a voter looking for change, this interview provides critical insights into how Aaron plans to hold state government accountable and build a pipeline for future generations to stay and thrive in Rhode Island.

    Learn more about Aaron's campaign and get involved:

    Visit the website: https://www.aaronforri.com/

    Volunteer today: https://www.aaronforri.com/

    Follow us for more updates:

    https://therhodeislandwave.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/TheRhodeIslandWave

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    21 mins
  • Fighting for a Business-Friendly Rhode Island: Interview with LORIB Founder David Levesque
    Dec 30 2025

    Is the current political climate in the Ocean State stifling economic growth? In this exclusive spotlight interview, David Levesque, owner of Brewed Awakenings and founder of The League of Rhode Island Businesses (LORIB), discusses the critical need for pro-business reform in the RI Statehouse. If you are a Rhode Island business owner or a concerned citizen tired of high taxes and complex regulations, this conversation highlights a new path forward for common-sense legislation.

    ABOUT THIS VIDEO

    For over 29 years, David Levesque has operated in the local economy, but recent legislative trends have prompted him to take action. In this video, he sits down with the Rhode Island Wave to explain the mission behind The League of Rhode Island Businesses. The organization was formed to address the lack of a "fair shake" for businesses at the state level, specifically combating unconstitutional bills and an exploding state budget that has grown from $8 billion to over $14 billion in just a few years.

    David explains that LORIB is a strictly nonpartisan organization. Whether a politician is a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Libertarian, the League’s priority is supporting candidates who uphold the Constitution and advocate for lower taxes and less regulation. By forming political action committees (PACs), the League aims to raise funds to primary ineffective incumbents and endorse candidates who are truly dedicated to making Rhode Island a business-friendly state. Watch to learn how this movement is gathering momentum and how it plans to hold legislators accountable.

    JOIN THE MOVEMENT

    Are you ready to see real change in Rhode Island’s economy? Whether you can donate or simply want to stay informed, your involvement matters. Visit the website to sign up for the monthly newsletter, learn about endorsed candidates, or contribute to the cause.

    🔗 Visit the website: https://theleagueofribusinesses.com/

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    7 mins
  • Kelly Nevins on the Mission of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island
    Dec 28 2025

    Discover how the Women's Fund of Rhode Island is driving systemic change to close the gender wage, wealth, and power gaps in our state. In this "On the Spot" interview, CEO Kelly Nevins reveals the organization's powerful mission to invest in women and girls through research, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

    If you are looking to understand the landscape of gender equity in Rhode Island or want to get involved in community advocacy, this interview offers essential insights into how policy changes benefit everyone—not just women.

    IN THIS VIDEO

    In this comprehensive discussion with the Rhode Island Wave, Kelly Nevins breaks down exactly what the Women's Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) does and how it impacts the local community. You will learn about their multi-faceted approach to achieving equity, which includes rigorous research into the economic status of women and direct grant-making to partner organizations.

    Kelly highlights several key initiatives, including the successful expansion of paid family leave—a policy that supports men, women, and adoptive parents alike. The interview also explores the Women's Policy Institute, a nine-month training program designed to teach community members how to draft legislation, find sponsors, and testify at the statehouse.

    VOLUNTEERING AND INCLUSIVITY

    A major theme of the conversation is inclusivity. Kelly debunks the myth that feminism is exclusionary, explaining how men are vital partners in their mission. She introduces PACT (Partners Advancing Change Together), a committee of men dedicated to leveling the playing field, and invites everyone to join their hybrid Feminist Activist Book Club.

    LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

    As the organization approaches its 25th anniversary in 2026, Kelly shares exciting plans for the future. This includes the launch of the first Rhode Island Girls Coalition, a collaborative effort focused on addressing youth mental health and fostering healthy relationships among young girls in the state.

    GET INVOLVED TODAY

    Are you ready to help create a more equitable Rhode Island? Whether you are interested in policy training, joining a committee, or participating in the book club, there is a place for you at the Women's Fund.

    Visit the Women's Fund of Rhode Island website to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities: https://wfri.org/

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    15 mins
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