Helping Rhode Island Infants Survive & Thrive
Each year, Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) brings together hundreds of Rhode Island movers and shakers – corporate, government, and philanthropic leaders working on the state’s most pressing issues – to connect and honor one person – a visionary who has had a transformational impact on the lives of our state’s children and families.
This year we will be honoring House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi for his tireless work in the RI Statehouse to advance issues being faced by our underserved children and families. Previous year honorees have included the Honorable Gina Raimondo, and former RI Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, among others.
This year’s theme, Survive & Thrive, honors the efforts of FSRI’s early childhood development programs, which work to end preventable infant deaths, fill the gap in healthcare equity, and promote healthy growth for all infants and children. That’s why we are thrilled to honor Speaker Shekarchi for all he has done on behalf of vulnerable infants and children of our state.
We are thrilled to honor Speaker Shekarchi for all he has done on behalf of vulnerable infants and children of our state and have the opportunity to safely come together again in person this year. But, holding true to our mission toward equity, we will continue to provide the virtual experience for those who prefer to attend online.
A life-long resident of Warwick, Rhode Island, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi attended Randall Holden Elementary School, Hoxsie Elementary School, Mount St. Charles Academy, Suffolk University, and Suffolk University Law School. He has served the residents of District 23 in Warwick since first being elected in November 2012.
He was elected Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives in January 2021. From November 2016 through 2020, he served as House Majority Leader; previously, he was Chairman of the House Labor Committee.
In 2022, Speaker Shekarchi spearheaded the passage of a budget amendment to invest $119 million from Rhode Island’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which includes $44.5 million to support children, families, and social programs and $29.5 million to promote affordable housing, housing stability supports and broadband.
Contact: Maggie Slane
Vice President of Advancement
slanema@familyserviceri.org
(401) 519-2282
The Crown Plaza Providence-Warwick
801 Greenwich Avenue,
Warwick, RI 02886
