Quiet Waves of Change in R.I.
At The Slate Studio, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley's images reveal the layers of heritage and purpose that define a community builder. As a native Rhode Islander and the eldest of six children, Kilah Walter-Clinton's life has been shaped by a rich legacy of community service and a deep commitment to empowering others. Today, she serves as the Director of Race, Equity, and Community Engagement for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Still, her story is woven from many threads of service, family, and dedication to community improvement.
"I'm the daughter of a social worker who served as a correctional officer in Death Row in Rhode Island back in the day, and also the daughter of a deaconess of a church," Kilah shares. This unique family background laid the foundation for her future work. Her commitment to community service runs deep in her family roots: "I'm the granddaughter of the woman who started the East Providence Community Center and the granddaughter of a Peace Corps person. So giving and supporting the community is part of my heart."
With a background in clinical therapy and years of experience in crisis intervention, Kilah has developed a unique ability to work with diverse populations and complex challenges. "I've worked with populations that have really psychological challenges and neurodiversity," she explains. "I can walk into all of those things, and it's like a puzzle. It doesn't scare me."
This expertise proved invaluable when she faced one of her career's significant challenges. "I inherited two teams at the same time that were about to collapse and had to work on projects that they really didn't want to," she recalls. Her approach to this challenge revealed her leadership philosophy: "I just made sure I took time to listen to find out what their stories were, to find out what their whys were, to find out who they were and why they were connected to this community."
Perhaps one of Kilah's most significant contributions has been her work with the Providence Shelter, the oldest independent charity in Rhode Island. The organization's history provides a window into Rhode Island's complex past. "The Providence Shelter for Colored Children was founded in 1838 by Quaker women, and those women needed a place for their maids' children to go so the maids could clean house," Kilah explains. Over time, the organization evolved, becoming a bridge between communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kilah helped transform the organization's approach. "During COVID, one of the things that we did was we started a philanthropic pipeline," she shares. This innovative program, partnering with Providence College, her alma mater, opened new doors for students. "That student, as a result, not only understood what it was to invest in this community but understood there were options for career paths in the philanthropic world that he never even thought of."
Today, Kilah balances multiple roles with grace. She's a wife and mother of three children (attending Gordon School, Wheeler School, and Lincoln School for Girls) and serves on multiple boards, including the Rhode Island Red Cross Board and the Lincoln School for Girls Alumni Board. She stays connected to her community through various forms of service, including coaching youth sports and working with organizations like Winner's Circle XR, a program that introduces young people to coding and VR technology.
"I believe that my purpose is to empower others," Kilah states. "I have been very blessed to have both my parents be able to invest in me and be there and listen. And a lot of people don't have just that basic support." This understanding drives her approach to community engagement, emphasizing the importance of listening and recognizing each person's unique contributions.
When facing challenges, Kilah draws strength from various sources. "I usually operate with music and food when things get challenging. And when I need to refuel myself, I go back to my family. I go back to nature," she shares. Her home, where her husband serves as the family chef, has become a gathering place where people come together over meals and conversation.
On her journey, Kilah expresses deep gratitude for the path that led her here. "I am so grateful that I was born into the family that I am. I'm so grateful to my parents, grandparents, and family members for instilling this mentality into me," she reflects. "I could do all kinds of other things, and I'm glad I am using my gifts for this."
Through Jonathan's final frames, the depth of Kilah's commitment to authentic community engagement becomes clear. In her work at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Kilah emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions. "We really try to listen to the community and try to make sure that we are the vehicle for community-driven solutions to the problems that they see," she explains. Combining careful listening with practical action, this approach has become her trademark in creating positive change in Rhode Island's communities.
Portraits by Jonathan Pitts-Wiley
