Friday evening, May 30th, the community came together to celebrate the truly special graduation of this year’s Nuevas Voces cohort. After 10 months of classes, field visits, and community action, our 2024–25 participants gathered with their families, friends, and neighbors to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The celebration took place at the Providence Drum Troupe Clubhouse in the heart of the Valley neighborhood. The evening was full of joy and pride, with live music by Olneyville’s own Tito Antezana setting the tone. Guests shared a delicious meal catered by Venda Ravioli and reflected on the journey that brought everyone together.
WRWC’s Director of Community Action, David Morales, opened the evening his signature enthusiasm and welcome. He was followed by heartfelt words from Program Co-Facilitators María José Gutiérrez and Sayda Arriaza, WRWC Executive Director Alicia Lehrer, and Haley Essington, our Sustainability Community Liaison. Each speaker reflected on the incredible growth and energy this year’s cohort brought to the program.
Special shout out to the four graduates—Gaby Siles, Jose Vasquez, Anabela Rojas, and Carolina De La Rosa— who took the stage to share their stories. They spoke about their experiences, what they’d learned, and how they plan to stay involved in their communities. It was moving to hear how each person had grown into a stronger advocate and leader.
We were also honored to welcome special guests like Dan Turner of Brown University, who led a standout session on data justice earlier this year, and Karla Alba from the United Way of RI’s Providence Equity Fund, a longtime supporter of the program.
What Is Nuevas Voces?
Nuevas Voces, or “New Voices,” is our 10-month bilingual advocacy and leadership program for Providence residents who want to make a difference in their communities. Through a mix of classroom learning, field visits, and guest-led discussions, participants explore topics like environmental science, flooding, transportation, public health, toxic exposures, wastewater systems, and how local and state government works.
The program is led by co-facilitators María José Gutiérrez and Sayda Arriaza. Both are graduates of Nuevas Voces themselves and bring deep experience to the program. To keep things accessible, we provide stipends, meals, and childcare, and all sessions are bilingual and scheduled during evenings and weekends.
Since launching in 2020, more than 50 residents have graduated from the program. Many are now leading efforts across the city, serving on boards, committees, and in grassroots initiatives like the Nine Neighborhood Fund, the Providence School Board, the Urban Growers Leadership Program, the Joslin Community Garden Committee, and many others.
About the Venue: Providence Drum Troupe Clubhouse
This year’s graduation took place at the Providence Drum Troupe Clubhouse, a creative and flexible event space located in the Valley Arts District. Housed in a former tobacco distribution building, the Clubhouse has been transformed into a hub for art shows, community events, performances, and more. The space honors the legacy of Eagle Square and Fort Thunder and continues to foster artistic expression and collaboration in Providence.
Its permanent gallery features work by local legends like Bert Crenca, Susan Clausen, David A. Lang, Big Nazo, and others. WRWC is incredibly grateful to the Providence Drum Troupe for hosting us, and to Gather Wealth for helping make this vibrant community space possible.
As this year’s Nuevas Voces graduates take their next steps as community leaders and advocates, we couldn’t be prouder. Their passion and commitment are already shaping a stronger and more connected Providence.
Interested in joining the next cohort or learning more? Contact our Director of Community Action, David Morales. We’d love to hear from you.