All In, Rhode Island

Big flavor. Bold ideas. Local pride — wherever Wildcats call home. Johnson & Wales University is shining a light on the people who make communities thrive in Providence, across Rhode Island and in cities nationwide. 


JWU is All In

Join Providence Campus President Joe Greene as he listens to local stories — in the kitchen, on the street, inside the lobby — asking thoughtful questions and leaning to how bold ideas take root. These stories begin in Rhode Island, but they reflect something bigger: a network of Wildcats driving impact across the country, from major cities to small towns, each contributing to the character and momentum of their communities.

You’ll hear candid reflections on growth, leadership and what it means to invest in the next generation of talent. You’ll also hear from community partners who see firsthand how creativity and ambition fuel local economies — in Rhode Island and far beyond. Because being “all in” isn’t just pride, it’s participation. It’s choosing to build where you are. To hire locally. To mentor future leaders. To strengthen the culture and economy of your community, wherever that may be.

We’re proud to say our Wildcats are all in.

Hospitality Leadership 

Damaris Messina ’06, ’14 MBA | General Manager, Aloft Providence Downtown

Boutique energy. Big-league leadership.

As general manager, Damaris leads a team that delivers experience, culture and economic momentum.

 

Jaewoo Choi '16 and JWU Providence President Joe Greene

Full video coming soon

Food Culture

Jaewoo Choi ’16 | Executive Chef and Owner, Thermia

A restaurant committed to local sourcing, creativity and community.

President Joe Greene steps inside the kitchen and dining room to talk growth, grit and what it means to build community around food.

Bradley Vanderstad '15

Full video coming soon

Small Businesses Innovation

Bradly Vanderstad ’15 | Executive Director, Providence Tour Company

History meets hustle.

From storytelling on the streets of Providence to shaping the way visitors experience the city, this is tourism powered by entrepreneurship — and a JWU foundation.

 

News You Won't Want to Miss

Interning at Newport Vineyards

JWU students are gaining hands-on culinary and hospitality experience at Newport Vineyards. See how JWU alumni are helping Wildcats build career-ready skills.

Hospitality Careers Thrive

Alumni of JWU's Hospitality program are now managing operations at the sophisticated Beatrice Hotel in Providence, R.I. See how they're building their careers.

JWU Alum Wins James Beard Award

Sky Haneul Kim ’14 earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast. See how her journey from student to award-winning chef led to one of the culinary industry's highest honors.


Our Alumni Business Network

Explore JWU alumni owned and operated businesses and see how alumni are impacting their communities.

Join In

Want to show that you’re all in on this vibrant community of makers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and dedicated alumni? Download a poster and showcase it in your place of business.

Download Poster (PDF)

All In Rhode Island Poster