The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) is proud to announce Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung as a 2023 Elected Women of Excellence Award winner.

This award was created to identify women who have worked tirelessly, often breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, to serve their communities. These pacesetters have engendered an environment where women can now serve in public office and fight for the issues they are passionate about.  The 2023 Women of Excellence winners will be presented with their award during NFWL’s 2023 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

“Part of the spirit of NFWL is that we take time to acknowledge the significant accomplishments of the hardworking and dedicated women around us, and we are delighted to recognize this year’s honorees,” shares NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas. 

In 2020, Rep. Fenton-Fung became the first Rhode Islander in over a century to defeat a sitting Speaker of the House, and the first woman in history to represent her district.  Since then, she has led Rhode Island to become the fourth state in the country to mandate inclusion of Asian-American history in the curriculum, and cosponsored legislation requiring civics education in the schools.  Rep. Fenton-Fung is also a passionate advocate on healthcare & environmental issues.  She is a physical therapist at the state’s major trauma hospital, specializing in neurologic injuries.

The winners were nominated by their colleagues and constituents from their home states, before being chosen by a distinguished panel of NFWL members.

“We congratulate our winners from this year and look forward presenting them with their award in November,” Thomas concludes.

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About the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)

Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports elected women from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience.   www.womenlegislators.org