WaterFire Providence honored three distinguished Rhode Islanders at its 9th Annual FireBall Gala with Impact Awards recognizing their significant contributions to the community. Valerie Tutson received the Creative Impact Award for her work as a nationally acclaimed storyteller and cultural artist. Since 1991, she has used storytelling rooted in African and diasporic traditions to connect diverse audiences and foster cultural understanding. Tutson is a founding member of Rhode Island Black Storytellers and has hosted the award-winning show Cultural Tapestry, while also leading workshops nationwide.

J.L. Lynn Singleton was awarded the Civic Impact Award for his transformative leadership as President of the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) since 1983. He revitalized PPAC from financial distress into a premier nonprofit theater, enhancing tourism and the local economy. Singleton has overseen historic restorations and modernization efforts, founded a successful management company, and earned numerous accolades including induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2023.

Cortney Nicolato received the Joseph A. Chazan, M.D. Community Impact Award for her role as President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. She spearheaded a strategic plan to invest $100 million in local communities focused on racial equity, education, housing, and economic mobility, achieving this goal a year early. Nicolato’s leadership has strengthened partnerships and advanced systemic change, redefining nonprofit impact in the state.