Lizzie Araujo-Haller is a Rhode Island native by way of Co-op City in the Bronx, whose life’s work centers on the arts and the people who make them. Her career has been dedicated to creating and sustaining safe, vibrant spaces where artists can thrive. Lizzie has worked alongside artists of all ages, mediums, and backgrounds, supporting everything from day-to-day operations and budgeting to staff leadership and community organizing.
Across every chapter of her career, Lizzie is guided by her core values: kindness, access, belonging, and her favorite—radical joy. As both an artist and an arts administrator, she has collaborated on creative projects large and small, always with the belief that the process of making is just as meaningful as the final work. She champions the idea that shared joy in public, communal spaces strengthens both individual and collective resiliency.
Lizzie believes deeply that the pursuit of true peace requires a creative community that is safe, powerful, and nimble—one where everyone has access to the transformative experience of making and witnessing art together.
Delecia Forbes is a seasoned project manager and social impact practitioner with a deep passion for helping communities thrive. With experience spanning local and regional government, nonprofits, and the private sector, she brings a rare blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and heart to every space she enters. Originally trained as an educator, she has a gift for translating complex ideas into meaningful action—whether through research, policy design, or hands-on problem-solving that centers human rights, equity, and economic opportunity.
Her work has taken her across South Africa and the United Kingdom, where she has led dynamic teams, built transformative partnerships, and strengthened institutions focused on cultural development, social services, and the creative economy. She is the recipient of the President’s Award, received during the tenure of Nelson Mandela, for her groundbreaking cultural policy work with the City of Cape Town, South Africa. In every role, she remains dedicated to uplifting community voices and fostering environments where creativity and culture can flourish.
Living presently in Providence RI, Delecia’s lifelong commitment to cultural empowerment and community-centered cultural equity continues. She is deeply committed to the mission and vision of Rhode Island Black Storytellers, to the transformative power of Black narratives—how they teach, heal, connect, and inspire—and is honored to contribute her skills and passion to this organization.
Dr. Olutosin “Tosin” Ojugbele is a pediatrician and medical director in Rhode Island. Her areas of expertise are children’s health and public health. Originally from New York City, she has a deep passion for the intersection of the arts—including storytelling—and health. This passion ultimately led her to join the RIBS board.
RIBS empowers communities—especially Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities (BIPOC). RIBS realizes its mission through diverse programming in schools and communities by sharing and teaching the art of Black storytelling. RIBS, has for 27 years been a constant and ever-present cultural beacon in Rhode Island, and as a board member, Tosin’s goal is to elevate storytelling as a well known communication tool across disciplines; and to further strengthen RIBS’ presence in promoting public health equity, and the well-being of BIPOC communities.
Emilia Peña-Disla is a dedicated Spanish educator at both the middle and upper school levels, with additional professional experience of teaching the language at various local colleges and universities Her expertise lies in fostering cultural appreciation and language acquisition in students of all ages.
Since 2020, Emilia has channeled her passion for culture and community into serving on the board of Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS). Her commitment to the organization’s mission is deeply personal: she is motivated to help continue the powerful legacy of promoting, appreciating, and bringing awareness to the craft of storytelling. She firmly believes in the power of shared narratives to connect people, preserve history, and enrich the community.
Gerald Price Jr. is a community-centered entrepreneur, educator, and real estate strategist whose work bridges financial empowerment and cultural engagement in Rhode Island. With over 18 years of experience in real estate, Gerald is the Principal Owner of Rescue Home Buyers, a Cranston-based company dedicated to assisting homeowners facing foreclosure, debt pressures, or complex property decisions. His approach focuses on resilience and solutions, offering not only cash purchase options but also education and resources that promote long-term stability and financial literacy.
Beyond real estate, Gerald brings his expertise to business development and academia. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at Johnson & Wales University, sharing real-world financial and entrepreneurial knowledge with students. Additionally, he holds leadership roles at Wolfpack Capital Partners as Fund Development Manager and Acquisition Specialist, where he helps shape strategic investment approaches. Gerald actively supports financial literacy and wealth-building initiatives, with a particular emphasis on nurturing the next generation of Black entrepreneurs through workshops and community events.
Gerald is also deeply committed to cultural leadership and storytelling. As a dedicated board member of Rhode Island Black Storytellers, he works to honor and amplify Black narratives within the region’s arts and cultural landscape. His unique blend of community service, business acumen, and educational dedication makes him a powerful advocate for cultural and economic empowerment and creative expression within the organisation.
