Equity Institute Meetup November 2024

“I wish I had a 'me' growing up. I try to be the me that I needed for them.”
- Dr. Tulani Freeman, Meetup Speaker

Join us on Thursday, November 14th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at for a meetup designed specifically for educators, teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, school leaders, and community members. This month's meetup, "Gather & Grow: Cultivating Well-being in Education," will take place post-election, offering a space to come together, reflect, and nurture our mental health.

Our unique event will feature a biophilic approach to gathering, creating an environment that integrates nature into our meeting space, with plants and natural elements to promote calm and connection.

This space will offer opportunities to:

• Equity-Centered Focus: Celebrate the ongoing commitment and work of educational leaders striving to close gaps and address inequities in our schools.
• Community Connections: Build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals who share your passion for education and well-being.
• Biophilic Environment: Immerse yourself in a space enriched with plants and natural elements, setting a tone for tranquility and inspiration.

Despite the election's outcomes, our mission remains steadfast—improving the educational landscape by supporting our learners and educators. Come together with us to eat, drink, and share an evening of reflection and forward-thinking.

We look forward to seeing you there. Secure your spot by registering today!

*Parking space available across the street from Troop.

*As always, delicious food, wine, beer, and beverages will be provided. In addition, we will be giving wellness-centered gifts to the first 40 people who arrive.

Our evening focuses on lifting the voices of educators, teacher assistants, and educational leaders from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds.

Our dynamic speaker lineup for the event includes:

School Counselor, Leviton Dual Language School

Ramonita Martinez, a passionate advocate for education and mental health, has dedicated her career to supporting families and young learners. Her early professional experience as a Case Worker at Progreso Latino ignited her passion for counseling. She recognized the need for greater educational resources and guidance for students, which led her to pursue a Master's degree in School Counseling from Providence College, which she completed in 2012.

Later on, Ramonita joined Gateway Healthcare, Inc. as a Mental Health Clinician, focusing on children with autism and other developmental challenges. Her commitment to early intervention continued at Meeting Street’s Early Intervention Program, where she provided critical support to families with infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays.

Today, Ramonita works as a School Counselor at Leviton Dual Language in the PPSD, contributing her expertise and caring approach to creating a supportive educational environment. She balances her professional endeavors with a fulfilling family life, being married with two young children, ages 5 and 1.5. Her career and personal experiences reflect her dedication to creating supportive, inclusive communities where all children and families can thrive.

School Psychologist, Providence School Department

Dr. Freeman is a dedicated school psychologist with 18 years of experience in education, including 15 years serving the Providence School Department. Holding a doctoral degree in School Psychology from Lehigh University, with a subspecialization in Pediatric School Psychology, Dr. Freeman is passionate about building partnerships between schools, families, and the community. Her career is defined by her commitment to serving as a liaison between systems of care for students. Driven by a passion for supporting students, Dr. Freeman is focused on building a more equitable, culturally competent, and accepting environment for all students, staff, and families.

Behavioral Health Professional, MSW, LICSW

Jennifer is a dedicated behavioral health professional passionate about helping her community learn, grow, and heal. She is the Director of Behavioral Health Workforce Development at Thundermist Health Center, an Adjunct Faculty member at Rhode Island College, and Co-founder of the Latino Mental Health Network of RI.

A proud first-generation Latina professional, Jennifer grew up in Central Falls, RI. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a concentration in Business and Economics from Providence College and her Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from Washington University in St. Louis. Her upbringing instilled a commitment to mental health equity, as she witnessed firsthand the stigma around mental health in her community. Jennifer’s work emphasizes increasing access to culturally competent care and supporting the development of a diverse behavioral health workforce.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking with her husband and daughter and discovering new restaurants around Rhode Island.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Slate Studio: Video Content Studio, 60 Valley Street, Providence, United States