Others as well making strides in the world outside of the DR:
Senator Juan M. Pichardo
Deputy Majority Leader
Secretary, Health and Human Services
Finance
Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Health Care Oversight
On January 7, 2003, Juan M. Pichardo was sworn in as a State Senator representing the 2nd Senatorial district in the State of Rhode Island. Located in Providence, Senate District 2 encompasses the neighborhoods of Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle and the West End.
In the General Assembly, he serves as Senate Deputy Majority Leader and as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Services and Transportation. In addition, Sen. Pichardo also serves as Secretary of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Senator Pichardo has the distinction of being named the first Latino elected to a R.I. Senate seat and the first Dominican American elected to a State Senate seat in the United States.
During his first weeks in office, Senator Pichardo introduced and helped pass the “nolo-contendere” bill, which requires judges to inform immigrants of all their rights under the law. In his first session, he was the prime sponsor of 23 other bills and supported the successful passage of a Senate resolution memorializing the U.S. Congress regarding federal pre-emption of predatory lending legislation. Predatory lending practices are issues that Senator Pichardo continues to champion as the Chairman of the Commission to Study Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices.
Senator Pichardo was elected in 2002, after successfully galvanizing the southside of Providence. In an impressive show of support during the primary election, he successfully defeated an incumbent of 18 years. In the general election, Senator Pichardo faced another challenging race against three opponents: two Independent candidates and a Republican candidate. The conclusion resulted in an astounding victory, with Senator Pichardo having received 74% of the votes.
Senator Pichardo and his grassroots team of well-organized, community-minded people were able to register a large amount of new voters and provide information on civic participation.
Senator Pichardo’s success is credited to his long-term service to his community, from his time as a student activist at CCRI to his many visits to Providence schools to speak with youth.
Senator Pichardo had a 17-year career at the largest health care facility in Rhode Island, RI Hospital/Lifespan, where he held several positions. While at RI Hospital, he became a Patient Financial Advocate where he assisted and provided personal guidance to patients and families and helped them obtain Medicaid, Social Security Insurance benefits and community free care services.
He holds an Associate’s Degree in Arts from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science Audio Visual Production Services from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), and has completed the Air National Guard NCO Academy on September 17, 2003.
Senator Pichardo joined the 143rd Military Security Force as a Security Police Specialist. He quickly succeeded in obtaining rank and within 3 years obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He cross-trained into the 143rd Communication Flight in the Multimedia Unit as a Combat Video Specialist. During that time, he obtained his seven level and was promoted to Technical Sergeant. He also graduated from the Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCO).
In 2004, Senator Pichardo reenlisted and cross-trained into his current position as a Military Equal Opportunity Advisor, where he plans, organizes and directs MEO and Human Relations Education activities.
Senator Pichardo is married to Janet, a Parent Facilitator for Community and Family Partnerships in the Providence School Department, and has two children, Cristian and Tiffanie.
He arrived to the United States from Jicome-Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1975 at the age of nine, and lived in New York City with his mother and two sisters prior to moving to Providence in 1979. Since then, Senator Pichardo has lived in Providence and has been actively involved in the community throughout different stages of his life. He attended Providence public schools and the Community College of Rhode Island, and has completed course work at Rhode Island College in a pursuit of a B.A. in Political Science.
By co-founding a non-profit organization, Quisqueya In Action, Senator Pichardo remains extremely active in the community. The organization works to maintain the Dominican-American cultural relationship and assists and promotes the pursuit of higher education among young people and families in the city of Providence. Senator Pichardo also co-founded the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC), of which he is the former Vice President.
Senator Pichardo has been diligently working and advocating for his district for many years, and through legislation and advocacy, is addressing issues of educational reforms, economic development, quality of life, fair housing and promotion of civic participation.
Senator Pichardo has also received numerous awards and recognitions, which include
1995
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Achievement Medal
1998
Progresso Latino Award- for supporting and promoting healthy communities
2000
Air National Guard Diversity Council Certificate
E.S.G.R. NCO of the Year Certificate
143 rd Community Service Award
Leadership Rhode Island
RILPAC Bill Richardson Leadership Award
2002
Community Service Award, Oasis International
2003
Meritorious Son of Jicome, Esperanza, Dominican Republic
Comite de Immigrantes, Santa Teresa- “El Pueblo Unido Jamas Sera Vencido” Award- dedication for change and justice on behalf of immigrants
Telemundo, Providence- Hispanic Heritage Certificate of Excellence
Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island Community Service Award- distinguished community service in furthering the cause of sustaining reproductive rights
2004
Santo Domingo Invita Award, New York City Music Hall- demonstration of the best image of the Dominican community in the United States
RI Parents for Progress, Legislative Leadership Award- sponsored and advocated to restore benefits for child support to 3,100 families
2005
The Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy (ChisPA), Leadership and Advocacy Award- recognized for his continuing efforts on behalf of the Latino community in Providence and around the state
Dorcas Place Adult & Family Learning Center, Government Service Award- outstanding leadership in the area of family literacy and dedication of service to residents of the city of Providence
International Institute of Rhode Island, Community Leadership Award- commitment to building the best Rhode Island possible and for strong support of the International Institute's mission to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people
Senator Pichardo also serves on many Boards and Commissions, including:
Rhode Island Permanent Commission on Civic Education, Commissioner
Dr. Martin Luther King State Holiday Commission, Commissioner
Commission to Study Predatory Mortgage Lending Practices, Chairman
Latino Dollars for Scholars, Advisor
International Institute of Rhode Island, Board Member
Dexter Donation for the City of Providence, Commissioner
2004 Democratic National Convention, Delegate
National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, Executive Board Member
National Caucus of State Legislators, Member
Hispanic Family Learning Institute at the National Center for Family Literacy, Board Member
