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Marilyn Cocozza Trillo, Chair
Purpose/Description:
The purpose of the Community Outreach Committee is to support and promote the RICW using public forums, special events and other networking opportunities that acknowledge and encourage the accomplishments of women and girls in Rhode Island. In addition, the committee helps provide opportunities for Rhode Island women to express their needs and concerns and makes recommendations to the Full Commission regarding these matters.
Accomplishments during FY 2007
Women of the Year Event: Historically, Rhode Island Commission on Women initiated and has regularly presented the RI Women of the Year Award. The event is an important way for Rhode Island Commission on Women to recognize the work of positive female role models who have made significant contributions to women in this state. Awards traditionally are presented at a dinner event for which tickets are sold. Proceeds from ticket sales cover the costs of the event, as well as grant awards to programs facilitating the purposes of Rhode Island Commission on Women in accordance with R.I.G.L. 42-119-7.
The 2007/2008 awardees were:
Dr. Lynn T. Antonelli: Dr. Antonelli is an engineer with the United States Navy and is a recognized researcher and world leader in the area of laser-based sensors technology.She pioneered an optical solution for detecting underwater sounds from the air. Since 1999, Dr. Antonelli has provided educational laser demonstrations to school children and judged local school. She has encouraged middle school and college age women to study math and science, giving them a window into the life of a female engineer.
Sister Mary Reilly: Sister Mary Reilly has spent the last sixty years working for the
betterment of girls and women. She is the founder and executive director of Sophia Academy and she was a founding member of such local area non-profits as McAuley House and Dorcas Place. Additionally she serves on the board of directors of the Rhode Island Rape Crisis Center (Day One), The Women’s Center and the Genesis Center, to name a few. She has worked tirelessly to empower women and girls to meet the challenges of their world.
Karen F. Stein, Ph.D.: Dr. Karen Stein helped found and develop the Women’s Studies Program at the University of Rhode Island (URI), and is its current Director. She also
headed various committees to improve working conditions for part-time faculty, who are
primarily women. As the co-chair of the URI President’s Commission on the Status of
Women, Dr. Stein co-authored the new parental leave policy and is currently working on new strategies to address sexual harassment and other issues of concern to women at URI.
Awards were presented at a dinner on October 3, 2007. Over 150 people attended the event which was hosted by Karen Adams of WPRI-12. Ticket sales covered the costs of the event and $4,755 in sponsorship and donations were raised to support the Freda Goldman Education Fund which provides financial assistance to women in need who are continuing their education.
