News Summary
Anna Cano Morales has returned to the Rhode Island Foundation as the vice president of equity and inclusion after her role at Rhode Island College. With a focus on advancing equity, diversity, and access in the nonprofit sector, Morales aims to empower Rhode Islanders and promote transformative initiatives. Her previous decade of experience at the Foundation positions her to make impactful changes in the community while addressing ongoing discussions surrounding inclusivity.
Providence, Rhode Island – Anna Cano Morales has officially returned to the Rhode Island Foundation as the new vice president of equity and inclusion following her departure from Rhode Island College (RIC) where she served a similar role. Morales previously held the vice president of external relations and diversity, equity, and inclusion position at RIC from January 2017 until May 10, 2024.
Upon leaving RIC, Cano Morales received a severance package of $180,000, which was equivalent to her annual salary. Additionally, she was awarded a monthly healthcare stipend of $2,200 for seven months. While the specific reasons for her departure from RIC remain undisclosed, institutional officials have opted not to comment on the matter. The severance agreement included a clause that prohibited both parties from pursuing lawsuits or making disparaging remarks against each other.
In her new role at the Rhode Island Foundation, Cano Morales will spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access within the nonprofit sector. She expressed that her return to the Foundation, where she previously worked for ten years in various senior-level positions, including vice president of grants and programs, felt like a “homecoming.” Morales emphasized her commitment to ensuring every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to thrive, which she views as imperative for the state’s future.
Throughout her previous decade-long tenure at the Rhode Island Foundation, Cano Morales was an active participant in various leadership initiatives, notably the equity leadership initiative steering committee. This involvement allowed her to align her professional endeavors with her personal values regarding equity and inclusion, contributing to a mission that resonates with her deeply.
The Rhode Island Foundation is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment across the nonprofit landscape, making Cano Morales’ return timely and significant. Her experience both at the Foundation and RIC positions her to make impactful changes as she leads new initiatives designed to bridge gaps in access and equity.
Morales’ new role comes at a critical juncture for both the Foundation and the state, as discussions around equity, diversity, and inclusion continue to gain momentum. By focusing on these areas, Cano Morales and the Rhode Island Foundation aim to cultivate an environment where all individuals have the necessary resources to succeed, ultimately benefiting the larger community.
As the Rhode Island Foundation embarks on this new chapter under Cano Morales’ leadership, stakeholders are hopeful that her passion and dedication will pave the way for transformative initiatives that address the complex challenges facing the nonprofit sector and the communities it serves.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Business News
- Wikipedia: Equity and Inclusion
- Boston Globe
- Google Search: Rhode Island Foundation
- GoLocalProv
- Google Scholar: Anna Cano Morales
- Providence Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diversity and Inclusion
- Providence Business News
- Google News: Equity Diversity Inclusion Rhode Island
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