Adam Ramos is a partner with Hinkley Allen specializing in energy-related matters and complex business and commercial litigation, while daily working “to do the next right thing.” He says the motto in his family is to always do the next right thing. Having been introduced to the work of the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) at their Women Leading Change event, he was inspired to become a board member and serious advocate for women’s equity as his next right thing. In his praise for WFRI, he says they achieve remarkable results for such a small organization. One of the landmark laws the organization helped get passed is the Fair Pay Act for Rhode Island. But that’s just one example of systemic change they’re working for. WFRI’s work lays the foundation for a more equitable Rhode Island and makes their state a national leader in public policies that are good for women and families.
Raised mostly by a strong and capable mother, and married to an equally strong and capable wife, Adam doesn’t view gender roles as being different. He says men in general don’t want to talk about gender equity because our culture doesn’t perceive it as masculine. He hopes that things will change as he watches his own children grow and develop differently than his generation did. However, with his work through WFRI he also hopes to make a difference and help to normalize gender equity so that more people see that when we win at gender equity, no one loses. Adam says that too many people see life as a zero-sum game, despite the business case that repeatedly shows the benefits for diversity and equity throughout organizations. He says, “Whether you’re talking about gender equity, racial equity or other types of things, there is a complete lack of understanding about what equity means.” Put simply, “You don’t lose if others are better off; you actually can win.”
WFRI Working for Systemic Change
Adam describes WFRI as a policy advocate at the state level, identifying legislation every year that it champions. Rhode Island is the first state to pass a family leave bill. And it’s had a number of other successes pushing toward gender equity. He outlines the training programs they conduct through the Women’s Policy Institute that invites applicants and cohorts of women to receive training in how to become a leader in the state. They also award grants to other organizations that are either pursuing women’s equity or adjacent projects in alignment with those of the WFRI. And their newest endeavor is to develop a new “women leading government program to help newly elected women legislators understand how to operate within the governmental system” in Rhode Island.
100 Men for Gender Equity Campaign
Watch or listen to Adam’s interview to find out more about the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, the 100 Men for Gender Equity fundraiser, and his personal story of his partnership with his wife. All of the organization’s programs require funding and Adam reaches out on their behalf. Check out WFRI’s website for more information about their programs, research about the women in the state, and how they work to empower women on the systemic level. Many states have these women’s leadership groups. However, Rhode Island is far ahead of many watching for problems that need to be fixed to do the next right thing for women’s equity.
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