Johnson & Wales University Alumni

08/26/2026

In celebration of National Black Business Month, we're spotlighting Lisa Ranglin '20 M.S., founder of RIBBA (Regional Initiative for Business Building & Advancement), an organization that began as the Rhode Island Black Business Association and has since evolved to serve a broader regional mission.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Lisa immigrated to Rhode Island at 18 and went on to build a successful career in corporate leadership. A vision developed during her graduate studies at JWU ultimately became RIBBA, a regional nonprofit advancing entrepreneurship, workforce development, leadership development and economic opportunity across Southern New England.

"I founded the Rhode Island Black Business Association in 2010 after seeing too many talented Black professionals and business owners overlooked, underfunded and disconnected from opportunities."

Today, RIBBA has reached 6,000+ businesses, supported 2,000+ entrepreneurs and professionals, helped clients access more than $2.3 million in capital and empowered minority- and women-owned businesses to drive economic growth across our communities.

"My proudest accomplishment is not a title, award or position. I am most proud knowing that our work is transforming lives and creating pathways for people who have historically been excluded from opportunities."

National Black Business Month is a celebration, but support matters year-round. Learn more about RIBBA's impact and how to get involved at www.ribba.org.

08/26/2026

Way to go Armani Henderson '20 '21 M.S.!

🥥 Rhode Islander Armani Henderson stopped by to talk Loco Beach Coconuts Vs Savannah Bananas at Gillette Stadium this weekend with Bekah Berger🎙 Kim Zandy + jaybuff

Full interview https://omny.fm/shows/92-pro-fm/armani-henderson-banana-ball-loco-beach-coconuts

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

"My journey at JWU gave me more than a culinary education—it gave me the confidence to take risks, embrace my heritage and pursue the career I envisioned for myself." - Chef Krysia Villón '12, owner of Chiqui's Kitchen.

As a Peruvian-American, one of Krysia's most memorable experiences at JWU was participating in a culinary study abroad program in Peru. Cooking in Peru and learning alongside industry professionals left a lasting impression and continues to inspire her work today. 🍴

Since graduating, Krysia has built a diverse culinary career spanning the chocolate industry, personal chef work, teaching and entrepreneurship. Today, she owns a specialty food business featuring Peruvian empanadas and other foods inspired by her heritage, is a chef-in-residence at Nibble Kitchen in Somerville, MA and teaches as an online Gastronomy instructor at Boston University.

"I’m grateful for what I experienced at JWU. It helped me hone my confidence to pursue opportunities, take chances and create a culinary career that is uniquely my own."

Do you have a career update you'd like to share? Submit a class note: https://bit.ly/4dEbRgh

08/18/2026

Providence area alumni! Get ready for JWU Night with Rhode Island FC on September 30 at Centreville Bank Stadium!

Join fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends for a fun night of soccer and school spirit. Purchase your discounted ticket and exclusive JWU scarf package for just $29: https://bit.ly/4iaZdLm

Bring your family, wear your JWU gear and let's enjoy some "wicked good soccer!"

JWU Night, Rhode Island FC vs Indy Eleven
September 30 | 7:30pm
Centreville Bank Stadium
11 Tidewater St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

08/14/2026

Calling all Charlotte-area alumni!

Join fellow alumni from Friday, September 18-Sunday, September 20 for an Alumni Social presented by Noir Hospitality Group.

Spend the weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, reconnecting with old friends, reminiscing about cherished memories and making new ones. Whether you attend one event or join the entire weekend, it's a great opportunity to celebrate your JWU connections and connect with fellow Wildcats.

Click here to view the weekend schedule and reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4fY6KMd

08/13/2026

Attention, alumni! Registration is now live for Homecoming & Family Weekend in Providence!

Join us for a weekend of celebration, connection and JWU pride, October 2-4.

We'll kick off the festivities with a Welcome Reception, celebrate our Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, gather in our exclusive alumni tailgate tent and view a beautiful new painting honoring our founders, Gertrude I. Johnson and Mary T. Wales.

Click here to view the full schedule of events and reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4wsHTVA

We look forward to welcoming you back to your alma mater.

08/12/2026

Leave a lasting legacy while shaping the future of JWU.

Explore charitable giving opportunities, estate planning resources, a complimentary wills planner, and more on Johnson & Wales University's new Planned Giving website: legacy.jwu.edu

Learn how a planned gift can create a lasting impact while supporting the future of JWU and its students for generations to come.

08/11/2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 was a career-defining moment for three JWU alumni; one is the culinary nutritionist for US Soccer Federation, one is with the Rhode Island Sports Commission and the third worked for FIFA in fan operations at the Boston Stadium. Here are their stories.

08/11/2026

Sometimes the best career opportunities are the ones you never saw coming.

After attending a JWU Career Fair, getting involved on campus and staying open to new experiences, John Billinis '26 discovered a passion for tax accounting that led to a full-time career.

Discover how experiential education helped shape his future at the link in the comments below.