RIDOC Hosts Graduation for Rhode Island Women in Trades Pilot Program

Published on Monday, February 09, 2026

NEWS RELEASE

RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS 40 HOWARD AVENUE CRANSTON, RI 02920

RIDOC Hosts Graduation for Rhode Island  Women in Trades Pilot Program

CRANSTON, RI – February 9, 2026 – The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) in partnership with the Rhode Island Women in the Trades (WITT) organization today announced the graduation of its first cohort of students in the ReBUILD Her Pathways program. Participants at the Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility completed 40 hours of hands-on construction pre-apprenticeship training over eight weeks. 

Justice-involved individuals face significant barriers to employment upon release, including limited job skills, lack of credentials, and societal stigma. The construction trades offer viable, high-demand career paths that do not require college degrees but provide good wages and carer growth. ReBUILD Her Pathways addresses this gap by providing an inclusive, gender-responsive program tailored to incarcerated women’s unique needs. This initiative aligns with Rhode Island’s commitment to reduce recidivism by supporting workforce development, criminal justice reform, and economic equity. 

“Part of our mission here at the Department is to offer a wide range of programs to facilitate successful reintegration into the community and reduce recidivism,” said RIDOC Director Wayne T. Salisbury Jr. “I am pleased to have Women in the Trades in our facility working with our population. The success of these women goes beyond electrical work or carpentry. This program empowers women, builds confidence, and resilience that can serve them beyond the walls of incarceration. Congratulations to all the graduates.” 

“The ReBUILD Her Pathways program has been an incredibly meaningful partnership with the Department of Corrections,” said Anita Bruno, Chief Executive Officer of RI WITT. “Over the past eight weeks, we have witnessed women in this facility gain not only foundational construction skills, but renewed confidence, discipline, and belief in their own potential. This program demonstrates that with access to training, structure, and support, women can prepare for family-sustaining careers and successful reentry. We are proud of each graduate and grateful for the facility’s commitment to creating pathways to opportunity.”

At the graduation, women had an opportunity to stand up and speak to the room. One woman said “Skills create options and options give you freedom.” Another woman said “When people believe in you, it changes you.”

Rhode Island Women in the Trades is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 2019. WITT’s mission is to educate, organize and expand Rhode Island’s current and future tradeswomen to become one voice advocating to ensure fair and equal access to information, training, and opportunity for employment in the construction industry.