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  ‘A LEADER WE CAN ALL LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION’

Lynch taps Rep. Grace Diaz to serve as First Vice Chair of Rhode Island Democratic Party

PAWTUCKET - Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch announced the historic appointment of Providence State Rep. Grace Diaz (D-11) to serve as the state party’s first vice chair. Diaz, whose appointment is effective immediately, is the first Latina-American to serve in such a high-ranking party position.

“Grace Diaz is a leader we can all look to for inspiration. I am honored and excited to elevate a woman who has given so much to her community and worked tirelessly in the name of progress for all Rhode Islanders,” Chairman Lynch said.

Diaz, 50, immigrated to America in 1990 with only $40 in her pocket and two dresses to her name. She quickly learned English and eventually became a successful small business owner of a home daycare operation. Today she works as a childcare consultant and is the proud mother of five children. In 2004, she won her seat in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and became the first Dominican-American woman in the country to be elected to a state office.

“I’m proud to be a Democrat because this party has always represented the best interests of the working men and women of Rhode Island. I look forward to joining Chairman Lynch and our state committee in continuing to advance an agenda that will make health care accessible and more affordable, bring good paying jobs to our communities, and make sure our kids receive the benefits of a 21st Century education,” Diaz said.

As first vice chair, Diaz will lead the state party in Chairman Lynch’s absence. She will also help identify priorities in the state party platform and serve as a conduit to and voice for Rhode Island’s minority communities.

“In all that she’s overcome and accomplished, Grace Diaz represents everything that is good and right about America. Her remarkable talent and passion for public service will be invaluable to this party as we continue the fight for equal opportunity for all Rhode Islanders,” Lynch said.

In his time as chair, Lynch has consistently led diverse delegations to the Democratic National Convention and worked to make the party and its platform reflective of the interests of all Rhode Islanders. In 2003 he appointed Melba Depeña as the party’s first Latina executive director. She served in the capacity for three years before accepting a position in the administration of Providence Mayor David Cicilline.

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