Trendsetter: Meet Margaret Brassard

Photograph by Henrry Villafranca

I know you’re involved in so many things as an event planner for your own company, Brassard Events, and as a board member for WaterFire, Teatro ECAS and as a commissioner of the Providence Tourism Council. But I feel like Kind RI is your pride and joy. Can you tell us about it?

Kind RI was born from the kindness strangers showed me when I first moved to Rhode Island from the Dominican Republic. I arrived without a support system, with very limited resources, and unable to speak English, yet people welcomed me and helped me find my footing. That experience shaped the way I see community. Rhode Island is home to incredible nonprofits and resources that many people don’t know about, so I created Kind RI to shine a light on their work, connect people to the support they need and inspire others to give back.

So it’s a brunch or a lunch at a restaurant and you focus on a different charity or nonprofit each month?

Each month we partner with one nonprofit and one local restaurant. My team manages the planning, marketing, venue coordination and event experience, while the restaurant donates 20 percent of the day’s sales directly to the featured nonprofit. It’s a simple model that brings businesses, nonprofits and the community together to create real impact.

And you have the charity on site so they can talk about what they do?

Absolutely. We see ourselves as the bridge between nonprofits and the community. Guests hear directly from the organizations about their mission and the impact of their work. From there, people often become donors, volunteers, advocates or even board members. Those conversations create lasting relationships that continue well beyond the event itself.

You’re also very fashionable at these events. Can you tell us where your style inspiration comes from?

Fashion is one of the ways I express my personality and creativity. I feel fortunate that my career allows me to wear what feels authentic. I enjoy mixing pieces from local boutiques, thrift store finds and clothing I bring back from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. I don’t follow trends as much as I wear what speaks to me. Every outfit reflects who I am and celebrates my culture, confidence and individuality.

What are your favorite events?

I enjoy events that create meaningful conversations and genuine connections. Smaller gatherings often provide the opportunity for people to share ideas, build relationships and discover ways to support one another. That’s what I love most about Kind RI events — they bring together community leaders, nonprofits, businesses and neighbors in a space where collaboration happens naturally.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month [Sept. 15–Oct. 15] is a celebration of our stories, our resilience and the contributions we make every day. As a Dominican immigrant, I understand the importance of representation. I mentor young Latinas because I want them to see that their background is a strength, not a limitation. Early in my career, I was often one of the few Latinas in the room. Today, seeing more people who look like me in leadership roles is incredibly
meaningful. Representation creates opportunity, and diversity makes every community stronger.