Mentor Rhode Island that through its direct service programs and partnerships serves 5,500 youth statewide has welcomed five community leaders to its board of directors.

Joining the board are Christopher Briggs, Rhonda Duckworth, Jannel Hill, Laura Pisaturo and Monika Soban. Based in Warwick, Mentor RI coordinates school-based mentoring programs in Warwick, Woonsocket, Newport, Middletown, Pawtucket, Providence, Warren and Cranston. Additionally, it serves as an umbrella organization for dozens of mentoring programs around Rhode Island offering help with recruitment, training, and technical assistance.

"Mentor Rhode Island is thrilled to welcome our new Board Members, all of whom have experiences that will positively impact the work and the mission of our organization,” said Jo-Ann Schofield, president and CEO of Mentor Rhode Island.

“This diverse group of community and business leaders have the skills and experience to help shape the future of mentoring in Rhode Island,” she added.

Referencing the mission of the organization, Schofield said, the aim of Mentor is to ensure youth have access to the motivational and supportive relationships they need to grow into confident, successful adults.

“We envision a Rhode Island where all youth are connected to relationships with adults who inspire and support them. All youth will have role models who provide a road map for lifelong success and achievement,” she said.

Christopher Biggs is a Senior Assistant Vice President at Amica Mutual Insurance Company. In his role, he oversees the strategic direction and execution of Amica's national advertising program. Biggs has over 20 years of experience working in advertising and marketing in New England at advertising agencies, boutique digital marketing firms, and client-side marketing operations. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and completed the Leadership Greater New Haven program. Outside of work, he is active within his local community and takes great pride in supporting his children's local schools in Connecticut.

Rhonda Duckworth is a regional manager with The Washington Trust Company, responsible for twelve branches located throughout Rhode Island. Duckworth is a member of the North Kingstown Rotary and Chamber of Commerce, and for many years taught religious education at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wakefield. Additionally, she chairs the wine raffles for two Annual Fundraisers, one of which includes Mentor RI's Dancing with the Stars.

Jannel Hill is the Director of Human Resources for the Pawtucket YMCA. For nearly 10 years, Hill has worked within the Rhode Island business and non-profit communities providing a full range of human resource advice and consultation. She received an MS degree in Human Resource Management from Southern New Hampshire University, a BS from RI College and an AS from the Community College of RI. Hill is a member of the RI Society for Human Resource Management.

Laura Pisaturo is Chairperson of the RI Parole Board. She has dedicated much of her professional career to public service, mostly notably as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division within the RI Department of Attorney General, and Director of Advocacy & Legal Services with Day One. Ms. Pisaturo received a BS from the University of Rhode Island and a JD from Suffolk University. She has served as an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island. Pisaturo's community involvement includes serving as a volunteer lawyer for Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, as well as the RI Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Program.

Monika Soban is Senior Manager, Upstream Manufacturing for Amgen. In her role, she is responsible for producing Amgen's pipeline products with execution rigor to ensure operational reliability and efficiency. Soban earned a degree in chemical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, and has over 16 years of experience within the manufacturing and quality control environments.