The City of East Providence conducted its fifth edition of its "Remarkable Women" program, which recognizes female residents who have positively impacted the community by various means. The program is overseen by the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva.

The 2024 honorees included Diana Fairfax, Izilda Fernandes, Kathy Holahan, Laura Jones, Angie Lovegrove, Laurie Marchand, Stacey Messier, Rebecca Warr, Esq. and Carole Washington Brown. The group was recognized during a brief reception in the City Hall foyer prior to the May 7 City Council meeting.

The release announcing the latest recipients included the following, "These nine honorees include trailblazers, leaders of industry, mentors, community organizers, businesswoman and women who work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure East Providence continues to shine and remain a prosperous place to live."

“By nominating and honoring the Remarkable Women in the City of East Providence, we are recognizing the women in our lives who carry the same traits and qualities of the role models and trailblazers that came before us,” said DaSilva.

Fairfax, a Nurse Practitioner and business owner of Fairfax Acne & Dermatology Services, is noted for her entrepreneurial endeavors, highlighted by starting her own business at the age of 63.

Fernandes is a recognizable figure in the community and in the schools where her service includes leading the "Together For East Providence" volunteer group which annually hosts a free Christmas dinner as well as her involvement with PTAs.

Holahan is creator of ‘Auntie’s Lemonade Stand,’ which collects money to purchase food and items of necessity for the non-profit "Hope and Faith" food bank operated by city resident Carl Sweeney. In addition, Holahan was a long-time member of the PTAs at Waddington Elementary School, Riverside Middle School and East Providence High School.

Jones is recognized for her considerable contributions to the city's aged population in her role as Senior Services Director, most notably overseeing operations of the Robert Rock/East Providence Senior Center.

Lovegrove is a retired senior investigator with 20 years of service with the Commission of Human Rights. She is currently the Chairperson for the Puerto Rican Institute for the Arts and was the former Chairwoman for the East Providence Affirmative Action Committee where she is still an active member.

Marchand has had a distinguished career in administrative roles in the East Providence School Department, the latest being as principal of Martin Middle School.

Messier, like Marchand, has had impactful career in the East Providence School District, including being the Dean of Students at Agnes B. Hennessey Elementary School before moving into her current role as "Project Aware Coordinator."

Warr is prominent area attorney and founder of the firm Warr & Warr, P.C., which specializes in the areas of real estate and probate. She has also served on the Board of Directors for organizations like The Big Sisters Fund of Rhode Island, RI Partnership for Home Care and the East Bay Food Pantry and as a member of the Alumni Board for St. Mary Academy-Bay View.

Washington Brown, or as she is known “Little Meadow” as a descendent of the Eastern Pequot Tribe, is currently the Chairwoman for the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Affairs and an exemplary leader deserving of this honor.