Nuevas Voces Kicks Off Its 5th Cohort in Providence

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is excited to announce the launch of the fifth cohort of Nuevas Voces, our bilingual advocacy program empowering Providence residents to become community leaders. This year, over 20 participants joined us for the kickoff event, hosted at United Way while the Olneyville Resilience Hub is under construction. A big thank you to United Way for generously providing the space and to Amber and the Providence Eye team for their excellent coverage of the evening. Read the Providence Eye Article Here.

The launch evening was filled with fun and connection, including a “Get to Know You” Bingo game and an introduction to the program’s structure and goals. Co-Facilitators Jenny Mercado, Sayda Arriaza, and María José Gutiérrez, alongside our Executive Director Alicia Lehrer, welcomed participants and set the stage for a year of learning, leadership, and hands-on experience. Childcare for the evening was graciously provided by alumni, helping remove barriers for parents to fully engage in the program.

Since its inception, Nuevas Voces has grown and adapted each year. Students meet once a month for classes and field trips covering topics like Providence history, Riverside Park, air quality, and Climate Change 101. Through a combination of classroom instruction, site visits, and guest lectures, participants gain knowledge in environmental science, public health, transportation, wastewater management, toxic exposures, local and state government, and community advocacy.

Funded by the United Way Equity Fund, Nuevas Voces ensures accessibility for all participants by providing bilingual instruction, stipends, free meals, and childcare. Since 2020, over 70 residents have graduated from the program, many of whom now play active roles shaping local projects, policies, and programs. Alumni continue to lead across Providence, serving on boards, participating in neighborhood initiatives, and volunteering in programs such as the Nine Neighborhood Fund’s Participatory Budgeting Initiative, the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, the Joslin Community Garden Committee, and more.

We are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of community leaders and look forward to a year of learning, discovery, and positive impact in Providence.

For more information about Nuevas Voces or details about the next cohort, please contact Nicole Wright, Department Coordinator. nwright@wrwc.org