PROVIDENCE, RI – This afternoon, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore presented National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Awards, as well as the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, to honorees at a State House ceremony.
NASS Medallion Awards are presented by Secretaries of State to individuals or organizations for excellence in categories closely related to the goals of NASS, including elections, civic education, state government services, and philanthropy.
"As Secretary of State, I have prioritized civic engagement, and Rhode Island is lucky to have exemplary individuals and organizations committed to improving their communities," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "I was honored to celebrate today's awardees for their contributions and their partnership with the Department of State."
This year, Secretary Amore presented NASS Medallion Awards to the following individuals and organizations:
Kate Bowden, Senior Attorney, Disability Rights Rhode Island, who serves as the lead attorney on their voting rights grant. Kate has been an invaluable partner to the Department of State's Elections Division on countless initiatives to ensure all Rhode Islanders can exercise their right to vote. This includes testing new technology to ensure it is accessible and collaborating to create educational resources for voters.
Dr. Patrick T. Conley, former Rhode Island Historian Laureate, for his lifetime of work to document and promote Rhode Island's history. Dr. Conley served as the Chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial Commission in 1976 and currently serves on the RI250 Commission.
Diane Fournaris, State Director, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RI SBDC), who is celebrating her 25th anniversary with the SBDC. Through offering free one-on-one counseling, training, and webinars for new and existing business, she and her team have guided and mentored hundreds of successful businesses from start-up to expansion. Diane and the RI SBDC staff are indispensable partners to the Department of State's Business Services Division.
SEIU 1199NE Members at Butler Hospital – made up of over 700 dedicated nurses, social workers, clerical workers, and technicians – who were on strike for over three months, the longest hospital strike in Rhode Island History. They fought for and won a fair contract that raised wages, preserved their health and retirement benefits, and improved workplace safety. Their solidarity and their commitment to their patients inspired civic action within and outside of the labor movement in Rhode Island.
Kasim J. Yarn, Rhode Island Director of Veterans Services, an energetic and committed advocate for our state's veterans, active duty, Guard and reserve, and military families. Director Yarn's service to the State follows 20 years of service to the nation in the United States Navy. He also serves on the RI250 Commission, ensuring the commemorations properly honor the veterans who fought, throughout the country's history, to preserve our freedoms.
In addition, Secretary Amore presented the NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award to Henry Pardo and recognized co-recipient Rexella Bishop, who was unable to attend the ceremony. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award recognizes gifted, civic-minded young people who demonstrate leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and are motivated to improve the quality of life in their community.
Bishop and Pardo are graduates of Central High School and alum of the Department of State's Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program. During their junior and senior years at Central High School in Providence, Rexella and Henry were the driving force behind the Providence Mental Health Fair, which had a goal of stopping the stigma around mental health issues.
Due to their leadership with the Providence Schools Mental Health Fair, Rexella and Henry were asked to participate in a Mental Health Awareness Month roundtable on youth mental health in May 2025. Alongside national mental health advocate and former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Rexella and Henry shared how adults can better support students' needs.
Bishop is currently enrolled at Boston University and studying biology/pre-medicine. Pardo is studying marketing at Bryant University. He also worked with the Department of State as a State House tour guide for several months.
"Rexella and Henry are both exemplary young leaders and I am proud to present them with the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award," said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. "Both Rexella and Henry have shown incredible dedication to their communities, and I have no doubt they will continue to support their classmates and their communities in the years to come."
Honorees received their awards at a ceremony in the State Library.
To learn more about NASS and NASS awards, visit https://www.nass.org/about-nass/awards.
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