People

Ralph E. Tavares, Jr.

Vice President, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Education, Executive Search, Higher Education, Independent Schools

Ralph is a problem solver who meets challenges with enthusiasm and an open heart. Spending nearly two decades creating equity in and access to higher education for students of color, Ralph has played critical roles in developing multicultural recruitment, retention, and mentoring plans and programs.

Ralph has worked in administrative roles at Salve Regina University, Providence College, and, most recently, Roger Williams University School of Law. 

Among his leadership and program activities, Ralph is the president and a member of the board of trustees of Diversity and Inclusion Professionals of Rhode Island (DAIP), a lead consultant with Huckel Inclusive, a Senior Inclusion and Educational Specialist at AWE (Advancing Workplace Excellence), a member of the planning committee for the National Partnership for Educational Access, and the Northeast Region Representative of the National Association for Law Student Affairs Professionals.

He is the recipient of the 2021 Dean’s Distinguished Service Award from Roger Williams University School of Law, the 2021 Diversity Champion Award from Providence Business News, the 2019 Torchbearer Award from Providence College, and the 2015 Founder’s Award from the New England Counselors of Color Bridging Access to College. 

Education

MBA, concentration in Strategic Management
Salve Regina University

BA, English, with concentrations in Black Studies, Women’s Studies, and Business
Providence College