Creator and Host Deb Ruggiero

I started this radio show (now a podcast) in 2004 to highlight the accomplishments of so many women (unsung heroes) who make a difference in our communities.  These stories of women in business, the arts, policy, or education, never get old and continue to inspire and motivate. My signature has been ending each show with quote.  In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Keep it Tight, Get it Right”.   

About Deb Ruggiero

Deb Ruggiero is a businesswoman, communications specialist, TV/radio broadcaster, and a community leader.  She is president of DR Communications Group, an advertising and marketing communications firm that provides businesses and organizations with branding, marketing communications, digital strategies, and media placement.

In 2004, Deb created the award-winning radio show, AMAZING WOMEN to celebrate the work of women in Rhode Island and New England who make a difference in the community whether in business, healthcare, policy, or the arts.  The radio show has won the Metcalf Award for Diversity and the Associated Press Award for “Best Public Affairs Show”.

Deb is a graduate of Boston College, has a Masters from Clark University in Public Administration, is a founding member of the Women’s Fund of RI, and past president of the American Lung Association of Rhode Island.  She was adjunct faculty at Emerson College, and Providence College teaching Broadcast Advertising, and Marketing Communications.

Deb Ruggiero served 14 years as State Representative for District 74 – Jamestown/Middletown, where she championed many of Rhode Island’s policies on renewable energy and climate change, broadband, and reform of the Coastal Resource Management Council. She lives in Jamestown, is an avid tennis and golf player, and loves to cook.

Radio Schedule

Mar. 3rd: KELLY NEVINS, CEO of The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, a social justice organization with the goal of improving the lives of women and girls in RI. We discuss the status of women and girls in this state, grantmaking through a gender lens, economic security, civic engagement, and why it all matters.   Listen now
 
Mar. 10th: ANITA BRUNO started Rhode Island Women in The Trades in 2019. This non-profit organizes, educates, and trains women for employment in building trades for economic empowerment. Listen now
 
Mar. 17th: ELLEN FORD worked at People’s Credit Union for 37 years. She grew up in Newport and discusses how she rose through the ranks from an entry-level teller to the president/CEO for the last 17 years of her career. Listen now
 
Mar. 24th: For many families, with two working parents, homelessness can be a step away with the loss of the apartment.  Despite legislative initiatives and affordable housing, JENNIFER BARRERA, chief strategist with the RI Coalition for the Homeless, talks about why these continue to be major policy issues. Listen now
 
Mar. 31st: JENNIFER HAWKINS is the CEO of One Neighborhood Builders, a nonprofit community.  We discuss where affordable housing is being built in Rhode Island, mixed-income social housing, and how short-term rentals have impacted the housing stock.  Listen now

Amazing Women RI™ is a Trademark of Deb Ruggiero. All Rights Reserved.