Amazing Women Rhode Island

Hosted by Deborah Ruggiero

Society Culture Arts

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Highlighting women who make a difference.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 28, 2026Episode 1020 min

Pam Johnston

PAM JOHNSTON, CEO of Ocean State Media, discusses the merger of RI PBS TV and The Public’s Radio that has been two years in the making. She discusses the new radio signal on 103.7 FM, how Ocean State Media is navigating the elimination of federal funds for public media, and their goal for community-centered local journalism. The CEO of Ocean State Media discusses the merger of RI PBS TV and The Public’s Radio, which has been two years in the making. She discusses the new radio signal on 103.7 FM, how Ocean State Media is navigating the elimination of federal funds for public media, and their goal for community-centered local journalism.

April 28, 2026Episode 918 min

Suzanne Snyder

SUZANNE SNYDER, founder of SAIL BEYOND CANCER, creates a touchstone moment for cancer survivors to leave cancer at the dock and head into the healing powers of the wind and water. She discusses her journey with cancer and how it inspired her to start this non-profit in 2014.

March 26, 2026Episode 821 min

Lauren Schlanger

American veterans deserve the best in healthcare because they earned it. Dr. LAUREN SCHLANGER is the Women’s Health Medical Director at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She discusses the programs available to women veterans, mental health services, and a ‘holistic’ approach to integrate veterans back into the community.

February 24, 2026Episode 821 min

Martha Cummings

MARTHA CUMMINGS is an educator and founder of Universal Promise, a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities to young children in rural South Africa. She discusses how private donations and local partnerships helped build a library, science lab, and classroom renovations. The pass rate for 12th graders skyrocketed from 14 to 93 percent last year.

January 28, 2026Episode 720 min

Melissa Cherney

MELISSA CHERNEY is the new CEO of Rhode Island Foodbank. She discusses the differences coming from the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota and puts a human face on the hungry in Rhode Island. She also shares her personal struggle with hunger and receiving SNAP benefits.

December 26, 2025Episode 622 min

Ruth Reinhardt

The Rhode Island Philharmonic enters a new era with the first woman conductor and Music Director. RUTH REINHARDT has an impressive international reputation as a dynamic musical conductor. Born in Germany, she had already composed a full-length opera by the age of 17, which she conducted with her local music school. Ruth describes how she communicates with the musicians, the energy of the audience, and her plans for the Music School as she works with aspiring young musicians.

December 3, 2025Episode 520 min

Margret Holland McDuff

Do you know someone who is struggling to make ends meet? For over 130 years, Family Service of Rhode Island has been helping families out of poverty. MARGARET HOLLAND MCDUFF, CEO, has been at FSRI for 4 decades starting as a social worker helping teens in trauma. She highlights the efforts of this human services agency, which positively influences countless families and children in the state.

November 5, 2025Episode 420 min

Kate Brewster Johnny Cake Center

Cuts to federal SNAP benefits mean more Rhode Island families go hungry. KATE BREWSTER, CEO of Johnny Cake Center, a food pantry serving South County, says families worry about housing costs and putting food on the table.

October 29, 2025Episode 321 min

Rebekah Rosen Gomez

REBEKAH ROSEN GOMEZ is co-founder and executive director of CONEXION LATINA NEWPORT, an organization that helps educate, empower, and connect the Hispanic community to services on Aquidneck Island. She explains how the values, culture, and work ethic of the Latino community contribute to the future and the local economy.

October 1, 2025Episode 221 min

Girls on the Run RI

Since 2012, Girls on the Run Rhode Island has been inspiring girls from third to eighth grade to recognize their inner strengths and increase their physical activity. KASHA HANFLIK, executive director, and ELIZABETH MCGANN, program manager, discuss how young girls build friendships and grow their self-confidence during the ten-week program.

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