Women in Hospitality Event Creates Community

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted another event in its ongoing Women in Hospitality (WIH) series, this one themed as a self-defense awareness event on Sept. 1 at the Providence Marriott Downtown. In partnership with the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, RIHA presented a women’s self-defense awareness seminar with the Providence Police Department. The demonstration was followed by cocktails featuring The Botanist Gin and Cointreau presented by Rémy Cointreau. Guests went home with a pepper spray keychain, courtesy of event sponsor Cormack Routhier Insurance, Inc. As part of the event, guests donated professional business attire, resulting in an entire truckload for Foster Forward, an East Providence nonprofit with a mission to empower lives impacted by foster care. Each WIH event brings together professionals for networking and community work opportunities.

: Dale Venturini, President/CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) with guest presenters from the Providence Police Department, Lieutenant Michael J. Fallon, Director, Training Bureau and Detective Tracie Miller-Dygon.

: Heather Singleton, COO, RIHA and Leslie Kosky, Associate Professor, Johnson & Wales University.

: RIHA’s Caroline Bhatia, Director of Membership and Cindy Stepanian, Finance and Administrative Assistant.

: Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Elizabeth Buckley and Christina Phillips.

: Providence Performing Arts Center’s Jillian Robillard, Pamela Halloway, Amanda Motta and Elizabeth Rainone.

: Bally’s Twin River’s Mackenzie Monteiro, Melanie Dimauro and Melissa Williams.

: Elizabeth Catucci, President/CEO, Northern RI Chamber of Commerce and Dale Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA.

: Kathleen Marshall, Account Executive, Cormack Routhier Insurance, Inc. (front left), Sponsor and guests during the presentation.

: Lieutenant Michael J. Fallon, Director, Training Bureau and Detective Tracie Miller-Dygon demonstrating self-defense techniques.

: Michael Loudon, State Manager, Rémy Cointreau showcasing The Botanist Gin and Cointreau brands.

: Cocktails, including the Gin & Tonic “Fall Edition” and a Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, made with The Botanist Gin and Cointreau.

: Bernadette Tavares, Director of Career Pathways, Foster Forward and Heather Singleton, COO, RIHA with donations of professional business attire.