Meet Alisha
Purpose Driven & Resilient
A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, this multi-hyphenate talent is a transformational speaker; JEDI advocate and trainer; soulful vocalist; storytelling maverick; published poet and spoken word artist; national award-winning writer and all-inclusive public relations, communications and marketing strategist. Alisha A. Pina possesses nearly 30 years of professional and life credentials to deliver desired results.
More About Alisha
Alisha A. Pina has been a storyteller since elementary school, but not with lies and creative babble that is
signature for many kiddos. She instead became an "author" early with her very short book and classroom
assignment, How the Cat Got its Tail.
The yearlong Race in RI series - which Alisha pitched with others, helped plan and was a significant contributor to - received national recognition and an award with the National Association of Black Journalists. It explored and acknowledged the many contributions creating gaps and inequity between white Rhode Islanders and everyone else. ​​
The East Providence native's early poetry about bullying, family wounds, race strain and resilience helped land her an internship with the Providence Journal, Rhode Island’s lone statewide paper, at age 17. Her laidback style, eye for the unusual and firm belief that all have a story worth telling made the young journalist stand out. Community and writing awards quickly followed, including Woman of Achievement by the YWCA Rhode Island.
​The Boston University alumna left the newspaper in 2017 to become Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. She spent nearly five years rebranding and amplifying DHS' and the State's work before leaving.
​​In 2022, Alisha officially launched her business, Inner Wingspan LLC, which adds marketing, communications and consulting services to her empowerment speaking, writing endeavors and spoken word like her piece “Black Love, Love Black.” In 2025, she started Inner Wingspan Entertainment to conduct her expanding presence as a well sought after keynote speaker, singer and poet. Her debut music EP, Grand Rising, was released in March 2015. The multihyphenate continues to uplift, advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and create a better understanding and healing between age groups, cultures and communities.
​​​​She is currently writing her first novel and poetry book. Neither is about a cat gaining its tail, but they are additional ways for her to positively impact the masses.