Diversity

Meet the Staff

Gertrude Jones, director of diversity

Gertrude Jones came to Lifespan from the Urban League, Rhode Island's largest organization advocating for diversity and for poor and disadvantaged populations. While employed as deputy director of the Urban League, she also served as president of the Providence school board. Earlier, she had worked in the development office at Brown University, and prior to that, in financial services at Citizens Bank.

Steven Craddock, diversity specialist

Grace Rivera-Martínez, diversity associate

Grace joined the Lifespan family in December 2006 as a Diversity Associate to work in the Diversity Office along with Gertrude Jones and Steven Craddock.  She has more than 20 years experience working as an executive assistant.  Prior to coming to Lifespan, Grace worked as an administrative assistant supporting the Director of Educational Leadership at The Education Alliance at Brown University.

In 1984 she earned an Associates Degree in Secretarial Sciences from San Juan Technological Institute.  In May 2006, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Providence College.  She is a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

A Puerto Rican native, Grace’s first language is Spanish.  She became fluent in English while attending school in the Bronx where she lived with her parents and siblings until she was 12.  Currently and since 1995, she lives with her family in Central Falls, R.I.

Grace is an avid reader and enjoys reading historical books, particularly those about the US Civil War and the Reconstruction era.  Her other hobbies include listening to music and gardening.  What she enjoys most is cooking for her family and friends her native Puerto Rican cuisine. 

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