2025
BANNISTER AWARDS
Honoring leaders who advance equity and promote diversity across Rhode Island.
W
EDITED BY LAUREN CLEM WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY JAMIE COELHO, ERIN MALINN AND JUSTIN THERIAULT PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEE SPEAKS
HEN RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY L AUNCHED THE CHRISTIANA CARTEAUX BANNISTER AWARDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION IN 2021, the state was in the midst of a reckoning. The COVID-19 pandemic had laid bare health discrepancies driven by income, race and other socioeconomic factors, and the murder of George Floyd a year earlier renewed national calls for a more just and equitable society. In the first Bannister Awards— named for a trailblazing businesswoman and unequivocal voice for justice— the program recognized an emergency room doctor; a financial educator; a longstanding advocate; an accessibility activist; a community visionary; and a refugee helping others settle in Rhode Island.
Four years later, the conversations around diversity and equity have changed, but the work continues. The recipients of the fifth annual Bannister Awards have fought for justice at the State House, in our health system, in the courts, on the canvas and in our philanthropic giving. They’ ve dedicated their time and, in many cases, their careers to ensuring all Rhode Islanders can live healthy, successful lives. As with those recognized before them, this year’ s winners demonstrate that equity is not a distinct field but something to aspire to in every part of our society.
Christiana Carteaux Bannister was a hair doctress and salon owner who spoke out on behalf of Rhode Island’ s most vulnerable— including Black servicemen and elderly women of color— while financially supporting her famous painter husband, Edward Mitchell Bannister. In her memory, Rhode Island Monthly and the Rhode Island Foundation are proud to present the winners of this year’ s Bannister Awards.
JUDGES: Anna Cano Morales, vice president of equity and inclusion, Rhode Island Foundation; Lauren Nocera, founder, Expedition Consulting; Rosie Fernandez, manager, community and public affairs, Cox Communications
90 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I OCTOBER 2025