Advisory Committee

Annie Foley is currently the Philanthropic Engagement Manager at the Providence Public Library. Bringing together her dedication to life-long learning and her understanding of what drives individuals, Annie commits her energy to supporting a curious and fearless space within (and outside of!) the Library. She is proud to work for PPL, a true community-driven organization, and looks forward to finding a reason for every resident to benefit from and give back to the public library services. 

Involvement with non-profit and social justice-oriented projects has always been a part of her story. She has committed much of her spare time and energy over the years to working with survivors of intimate partner violence and those struggling with mental health diagnoses or concerns. She also served as the Social Officer for SAGA, Lifespan’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance, an employee resource group at Lifespan.

Outside of her work, Annie spends much of her time reading in her home library and working on her book or continuing her training as a classical singer. A live show or funky restaurant are sure-fire ways to get her out of the house. She is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, and received her degree in American Studies and Human Geography – wondering what that means? She loves to talk about it, so just ask!

Jessica Marfeo develops new products for BCBSRI, and in her six years with the company has launched several innovations within the commercial market segment, including network-based products, well-being programs, and integrated consumer-directed health programs. She brings a client-focused perspective, often working directly with employers to craft tailored strategies that manage costs while increasing employee engagement and participation.

Jessica is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with degrees in Communications, Political Science and her MBA. She regularly volunteers through the BCBSRI Blue Angel Community program. A lifelong Rhode Islander, she lives in Warwick with her partner, Tracy. She loves traveling, especially to catch a tennis tournament and has the goal of seeing all four grand slams.

Darlene R. Slaughter is a visionary with a passion to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for all. As the Chief People Officer for March of Dimes, Darlene is leading a culture of engagement, innovation, accountability, trust, diversity and inclusion, and oversees talent management and development, recruitment and D&I initiatives.

Prior to joining March of Dimes, Darlene served as the Chief Diversity Officer for United Way Worldwide. Her efforts expedited and advanced diversity and inclusion strategies, partnerships and initiatives throughout United Way’s footprint. The first United Way Equity Summit was accomplished under her leadership.

Proceeding her accomplishments at United Way Worldwide, she served as the Principal Consultant and Chair of Linkage Institute for Leading Diversity and Inclusion where she trained corporate leaders on developing and leading D&I initiatives in the workplace. Before Linkage, she led an integrated strategy to utilize and support the talents at Fannie Mae and designed the first Executive Diversity Council as its Chief Diversity Officer.

Darlene’s work in diversity and inclusion has been recognized in various ways. She has received many awards and honors, including SAVOY’s 2012 Top 100 Influential Women in Corporate America, Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching, Black Enterprises’ Top Executives in Diversity, and Heart & Soul’s Women of Substance in Finance and graced the cover of Inclusion Magazine. In addition to her recognitions, Darlene serves on Twitter’s ICD Council, American University President’s Diversity Council, Springboard Foundation, and Simmons University Inclusive Leadership Institute.

Darlene holds a M.S. in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development from American University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Howard University.