Olivia Culpo among 9 to join Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame

The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame said this week that it plans to induct nine new members at a ceremony next month.

The organization says it honors "any individual who has brought credit to Rhode Island, brought Rhode Island into prominence, and contributed to the history and heritage of the state."

The nine inductees are:

Maria Gemma Corcelli, executive director of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Center.

Olivia Culpo, winner of Miss Rhode Island, Miss USA, and Miss Universe, now an actress and model.

Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film and TV office.

John Howell, director of Beacon Communications.

Matthew J. Smith, former speaker of the House, historian, professor and Catholic lay leader.

Lorén M. Spears, executive director of the Tomaquag Museum, educator and Native American rights advocate.

Dr. Joyce L. Stevos, educator, social reformer for African and Native American communities, and director of the Heritage Harbor Foundation.

Jim Vincent, social activist and former president of the Urban League of Rhode Island and the Providence branch of the NAACP.

Thomas P. Whitten, executive director of the John Hope Settlement House, author, and social activist for the Black community.

The induction ceremony will take place May 3 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston.