Meet Emily Gaudreau, new Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement

Emily Gaudreau the new Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island plans to focus on strengthening connections both within and outside the Jewish community to promote unity and collective action in the pursuit of social justice in the state.

Gaudreau, 28, has a strong connection to Providence’s Jewish community. Growing up near the Dwares Jewish Community Center on the East Side meant she was a frequent visitor within its walls from a young age. And her Jewish life in Rhode Island shaped her into an active participant in the community.

“Having grown up in this community – being a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth-El under Rabbi Gutterman and Rabbi Mack and later having my husband and I married by Rabbi Mack – I’ve been a member of the JCC my entire life,” says Gaudreau. “I’ve personally witnessed the crucial work that the Jewish Alliance does as the center for Jewish life here in Rhode Island.”

In addition to her deep community ties, Gaudreau’s educational background has equipped her to take on her new role. With a BA in Political Science and a master's in international relations focusing on International Development from the University of Rhode Island, Gaudreau is well-taught in centering issues that echo on a global scale in local, communal work.

“What excites me most about my new role is the opportunity to strengthen and build upon existing relationships with other communities in Rhode Island, while also forging new ones,” she said.

A key focus of Gaudreau’s work will involve expanding anti-hate programs. She believes that fostering personal relationships is a critical way to combat hate: “hate is far more difficult to sustain when people truly know each other.” As part of this, she plans to ensure that the Jewish community remains involved in anti-hate efforts, while also collaborating with other community groups to increase cultural literacy around Rhode Island’s Jewish community.

“I’m particularly passionate about educating the broader public about the Jewish community –not just to combat antisemitism, but to share the profound joy and meaning that Judaism brings to me and so many others.”

Gaudreau is focused on several pressing issues that affect Rhode Island’s broader community. “Some of the most urgent advocacy issues include protecting the rights of immigrant communities, addressing food insecurity and tackling the housing crisis,” she noted. “We are actively working in partnership with other organizations, engaging in legislative advocacy, and supporting community-building efforts to address these concerns and create positive change.”

Another key priority is interfaith coalition-building, particularly around faith-transcending issues such as poverty. “One of my key goals is to start rebuilding our relationships with the Muslim community and strengthening our existing relationships with the Hispanic and African-American communities here in Rhode Island,” Gaudreau said.

Along with the rest of her portfolio at the JCC, Gaudreau is also helping to plan a second anti-hate summit for spring 2026, which will bring together community leaders to address hate and discrimination.

As the Director of Community Advocacy and Engagement, Emily Gaudreau will continue to support the Jewish Alliance’s mission to serve as a center for Jewish life in Rhode Island while addressing issues that affect the broader community. Her background, coupled with her passion for social justice and community engagement, positions her to make a lasting impact in fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities across Rhode Island. Through her efforts, the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island will continue its commitment to advocating for social justice and strengthening relationships across the state.

EMMA NEWBERY (enewbery@jewishallianceri.org) is a staff writer and podcast host for Jewish Rhode Island.