The city council’s first order of business at Monday’s meeting on the March 25 was to take a moment to honor extraordinary Rhode Island women. Gina Russo, a survivor of the Station Fire, author of From the Ashes, and President of the Station Fire Memorial Foundation was the first honoree, her certificate present by Council President Jessica Marino. Andrea Moreno-Cabrera, owner of Café Ava was the next recipient, her certificate presented by Council Vice President Lammis Vargas. The final certificates were awarded to Charlene Barbieri and Kendra Tanguay, owners of Little Learners Academy, and recipients of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 Rhode Island and New England Woman-owned Small Business of the Year award. Their certificate was presented by Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli.
Pictured from left to right: Council President Jessica Marino, Gina Russo, Charlene Barbieri, Kendra Tanguay, Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, Andrea Moreno Cabrera, and Council Vice President Lammis Vargas.