22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Nelson-Davies
GoLocalProv News Team
22 to Watch in Rhode Island in 2022: Nelson-Davies
In December, the organization announced Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies as its new Executive Director
She will lead the Economic Progress Institute in the next phase of its work to provide research, education, and advocacy on policies that improve economic security and opportunity for Rhode Islanders.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSince its founding in 1999, The Economic Progress Institute has been a trusted source of policy research and advocacy in Rhode Island. The Institute welcomes the opportunity to continue building its impact under Nelson-Davies’ leadership.
Nelson-Davies comes to the EPI with a deep resume. The issues of economic equality have never been more critical as COVID has further driven wealth stratification in the United States and, especially in RI.
In Rhode Island, the median price of a single-family home has jumped to $375,000 in 2021.
Rents too have skyrocketed.
Nelson-Davies comes to EPI from Community Legal Aid (CLA) in Central and Western Massachusetts where she has served as the managing attorney of the Worcester County offices. Additionally, she has overseen special projects, including the Asian Outreach Project, the Medical-Legal Partnership pro bono project, the CORI/Reentry Project, and the Veterans Legal Assistance Project. She has also served as the co-chair of CLA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
“I am excited to lead the Institute as it moves with intentionality to uplift community voices and center racial justice in its advocacy for economic policy changes that meet the needs of families and improve the lives of Rhode Islanders and the economic stability of the state. I am grateful for the vision and legacy of Linda Katz and the late Nancy Gewirtz and the commitment and dedication of the Institute’s staff, board, partners, and supporters.”