Alisha Pina

A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, this multi-hyphenate talent is a transformational speaker; JEDI advocate and trainer; soulful vocalist; storytelling maverick; published poet and spoken word artist; national award-winning writer and all-inclusive public relations, communications and marketing strategist. Alisha A. Pina possesses nearly 30 years of professional and life credentials to deliver desired results. 

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The East Providence native's early poetry about bullying, family wounds, race strain and resilience helped land her an internship with the Providence Journal, Rhode Island’s lone statewide paper, at age 17. Her laidback style, eye for the unusual and firm belief that all have a story worth telling made the young journalist stand out. Community and writing awards quickly followed, including Woman of Achievement by the YWCA Rhode Island.  

 

The yearlong Race in RI series - which Alisha pitched with others, helped plan and was a significant contributor to - received national recognition and an award with the National Association of Black Journalists. It explored and acknowledged the many contributions creating gaps and inequity between white Rhode Islanders and everyone else. 

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The Boston University alumna left the newspaper in 2017 to become Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. She spent nearly five years rebranding and amplifying DHS' and the State's work before leaving. 

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In 2022, Alisha officially launched her business, Inner Wingspan, which adds marketing, communications and consulting services to her empowerment speaking, writing endeavors and spoken word like her piece “Black Love, Love Black.” The multihyphenate continues to uplift, advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and create a better understanding and healing between age groups, cultures and communities.​