'A Force to be Reckoned With:' Rethinking Latina Leadership and Power in Rhode Island 

Join us in learning more about the success of Hispanic women in elected and appointed office in Rhode Island with our guest facilitator Dr. Tony Affigne, Professor of Political Science who teaches in Providence College's Program in Black Studies, and Program in Latin American and Latino/a Studies. Get started with the readings here. 

Latinos represent about 17 percent of the nation's population, yet they remain largely underrepresented in political and appointed office, with Hispanic women being much less likely than men to serve in public office. Despite long odds facing Latinas - economic and educational inequality, sparse social capital, challenges in fundraising and mobilization among low-income constituencies - Rhode Island's cohort of Hispanic elected officials is majority female (Gonzalez & Affigne, 2016). What elements contribute to their success in gaining public office and why, specifically, Rhode Island? Join us in learning more about these successful Latinas with Dr. Affigne, who will share insights from his research on these women's experiences in achieving and exercising power, and the opportunities and environment in Rhode Island that fostered their success.

Dr. Anthony (Tony) Affigne is a senior professor in PC’s political science department and Black studies program, and a core faculty member in Latin American and Latina/o Studies. He has been a member of the American Political Science Association for more than three decades, and was principal founder of the political science subfield on Race, Ethnicity, and Politics, established in 1995. His research on Latino, Black, and Asian American politics, environmental parties and policy, and the early history of political science, has been published in the US and abroad.