Staff/Administrative Excellence Award:
Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin
Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin is a proud neurodivergent educator with nearly 25 years of experience in teaching, curriculum design, policy formation, and program development. Before joining URI in 2021, she worked with places ranging from the Boston Public Schools (co-founding the autism inclusion strands), the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Educator Advisory Board/inclusive school programming), colleges & universities throughout New England, MGH’s Lurie Center (brain-based social skill development), and created the Ad Council’s parent guide to autism disclosure. Currently, Nina is the Assistant Director of Disability Access and Inclusion, overseeing neurodivergent programming and providing training and consultation on teaching practices, disability rights, transition planning, and inclusion. She serves on numerous strategic planning committees and task forces, including the Disability Advocacy Group and Accessibility Task Force. She is a founding member of the New England Neurodiversity in Higher Ed Coalition.

The event, held in the Memorial Union Ballroom, was sponsored by URI’s Office of Community, Equity and Diversity and the Office of the President. The program recognized awardees, selected from dozens of nominations submitted by peers from across the University.