VCU RRTC

In this session, three Rhode Island parents share their perspectives and experiences supporting their sons or daughters in starting and growing their businesses. Sue Babin, the Project Director for the Rhode Island Self-Employment Incubator Project, joins us as the connector and strong resource that has helped these families. So many others support their loved ones in starting successful small businesses.

Iraida Williams is the mother of Alton Stucky. Alton is the genius and talent behind Alton Stucky’s Portraits. Check out his stunning, detailed work on Instagram at @altonstuckeyart.

Debbie Wood is the mother of Jason Wood, the owner of We Be Jammin’. With multiple locations, team members, and products, We Be Jammin’ has become a household name with a delicious reputation.

Karen Rasnick is the mother of Rachel Rasnick. Rachel is the magic and sunlight behind Rachel Rasnick Art. Rachel has a unique art style that has been featured on multiple news platforms and provides custom work for Rhode Island political leaders. 
 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the support parents/caretakers/guardians provide their sons, daughters, or adult children in starting and growing their small businesses.
• Learn how to navigate challenges that may arise when supporting your son, daughter, or adult child through the entrepreneurial journey. 
• The importance of community and networking in identifying small business resources to assist in starting a small business. 
• How self-employment has/can drastically change the life of an individual with a disability. 
• Learn about how the Rhode Island Self-Employment Incubator Project came to fruition and has helped over 100 entrepreneurs in starting successful businesses. 

Bios:

Sue Babin has dedicated over 40 years to the field of developmental disabilities. For the past 14 years, she's served as a Special Projects Coordinator for the RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC), where she leads the Systems Advocacy Committee (SAC) and founded the "Self-Employment Business Incubator… the Spirit of Individual Enterprise Project" in 2018. Before this, she spent 30 years at the RI State Division of Developmental Disabilities, administering the Office of Quality Assurance, advocating for human rights, and developing quality improvement programs. Sue holds an MPA, is a Leadership Rhode Island alumna, and has received the PBN "Rhode Island Leaders and Achievers" Award (2021) and ASPE's David Hammis Innovation Award (2024).

Ciara Ladroma is a facilitator with 12 years of experience in employment and entrepreneurship, specializing in supporting people with disabilities, women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She assists small business owners across the nation in launching and expanding their businesses. Ciara's career began as an Employment Specialist in Supported Employment, and she's since applied those skills to roles such as Career Coach at Des Moines Area Community College and Director of the Iowa Women’s Business Center. As an entrepreneur herself, she draws on her own experiences to help others navigate their business hurdles. Ciara also offers training and technical assistance on best practices for employment service delivery, focusing on Customized Employment and Self-Employment.

Karen Rasnick lives in Barrington, Rhode Island, with her husband, Marty, and their daughter, Rachel, who is on the Autism Spectrum. She is the mother of three. She taught in Providence Public Schools as a classroom teacher in elementary School for 36 years before retiring in June 2024. She manages her daughter, Rachel's, art business, substitute teaching, and volunteering as an elected member of the Barrington School Committee. Karen enjoys spending time with her children, cooking, reading, and travelling.

Iraida Williams is the mother of Alton Stucky. Alton is the genius and talent behind Alton Stucky’s Portraits. Check out his stunning, detailed work on Instagram at @altonstuckeyart.

Debbie Wood began We Be Jammin’ in 2010 when her then 21-year-old autistic son aged out of his program.  Debbie and her husband, Russell, owned several companies and felt that their son deserved to have his own as well. Debbie is the driving force behind the growth of We Be Jammin.  They have a brick-and-mortar store in Warwick, Rhode Island, and an online ordering site.  The company has won many awards consistently over the years, including Best of RI, Best Local Gift Shop, Best Specialty Foods Store, and Small Business that Gives Back. In addition to We Be Jammin’, she added a subsidiary company, We Be Jammin’ Events, which produces and promotes craft shows, vendor fairs, and festivals throughout RI.