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

Oct 1st: JENNIFER HAWKINS is the CEO of One Neighborhood Builders, a nonprofit community. development leader.  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 for year-round renters. Listen Now
 
Oct 8th: HELENA BUONANNO FOULKES stormed onto the political scene in 2022 with a formidable Democratic Gubernatorial Campaign in Rhode Island. She discusses the lessons learned from that campaign, her current work on public education with several towns, and her decision on running again for Governor in 2026. Listen Now
 
Oct 15th: Rosie the Riveter is the most iconic image of working women. There are many skilled tradeswomen today.  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
 
Oct 22nd: We are all getting older and all of us want to ‘age in place’.  In the next six years, over a third of the population will be 55+. CAROLINE GANGJI, executive director of the VILLAGE COMMON of RHODE ISLAND discusses which communities have established a ‘village’ for people to age in place, and why this is the future. Listen Now
 
Oct 29th: ANNO CANO MORALES, Vice President for External Relations, and Diversity Equity, and Inclusion at Rhode Island College, discusses the future of Rhode Island College, RIC as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and the importance of a secondary education in today’s marketplace. Listen Now

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