East Providence Woman Honored for “Fantastic Girltastic Code Company” Proposal

The Rhode Island Foundation has honored an East Providence woman for her bold idea for improving life in Rhode Island.

Deborah Perry was recognized at a reception honoring the 10 finalists for $300,000 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowships. The grants are made possible through the vision and generosity of philanthropists Letitia and John Carter.

Perry proposed creating the “Fantastic Girltastic Code Company” to increase the number of women holding college degrees in computer sciences through intensive girl-centric training, access to female role models and mentors, and connections to local institutions of higher education and employers.

“We recognize our finalists for their ambitious strategies for addressing challenges and creating change in Rhode Island,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We are appreciative of Letitia and John Carter’s devotion to Rhode Island and are pleased to play a role in transforming their dreams into one of our boldest initiatives.”

Now in its third year, the program is designed to stimulate solutions by Rhode Islanders to Rhode Island challenges. Perry's proposal was selected from more than 340 applications.

“Letitia and I applaud each of the applicants on their talent, ambition and commitment to our state. We look forward to seeing the constructive change they generate as a result of these fellowships,” said John Carter.

In addition to recognizing Perry and the other finalists, the Foundation awarded two applicants -- David Dadekian of Coventry and Amy Bernhardt of Providence -- $300,000 grants over three years.

Dadekian’s project, the Eat Drink Rhode Island Central Market, will house a number of food and drink related businesses, including a public market, commercial production and processing facilities, and an educational component.

Bernhardt's Colorfast project will create a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing pilot facility for the design and production of digitally printed textiles.

This was the Fellowship initiative’s third round of funding. Previous rounds generated more than 600 applications.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2013, the Foundation made grants of more than $31 million to organizations addressing the most pressing issues and needs of the state’s diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.