Senator Cano, Representative Alzate and Pawtucket delegation name three students ‘Legislators for the Day’ for International Women’s Day
Rep. Karen Alzate, left, and Sen. Sandra Cano, right, at the “Legislators for a Day” luncheon held on March 7 in the Senate Lounge of the State House.
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Sandra Cano, Rep. Karen Alzate and the Pawtucket delegation of the General Assembly on March 7 hosted three female Pawtucket students at the State House to serve as “Legislators for the Day” in honor of International Women’s Day.
The students, Hawawou Barry from Tolman High School, Catherine Nobre from Shea High School and Princess Appiah from Jacqueline M Walsh School for the Arts, were selected for their leadership skills in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The “Legislators for a Day” were accompanied by their school mentors, Chris Sousa, Samantha Chella, Laura Ciano and Eric Andrade.
“These three students are exceptional young women and we are very eager to show them what life at the State House is like and the incredible amount of good one can do for their community when serving up here. International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the significant and impressive accomplishments of women in our lives and history, but that also includes the women leaders of tomorrow, like our three new legislators for the day,” said Senator Cano, Chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, and Representative Alzate, Chairwoman of the House Special Legislation Committee.
The three students joined the legislators for a tour of the building and a view into the inner workings of state government as they conducted their day at the State House. The three “Legislators for the Day” also met with Rhode Island’s general officers.
The students and legislators also held a meet and greet luncheon where the students were recognized for their academic achievements and being selected as a “Legislator for the Day.”
Senator Cano also sponsored a resolution (2023-S 0458) in the Senate recognizing International Women’s Day.
The event originated with an idea brought forth by a student leader in Pawtucket, Kinnan Dowie, who believed that it was important for the female leaders of Pawtucket to show future generations what is possible through hard work and dedication to bettering one’s community.
Senator Cano and Representative Alzate also collaborated with Pawtucket School Committee member Erin Dube to hold Pawtucket’s 9th annual International Women’s Day celebration.
Along with Senator Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) and Representative Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls), the Pawtucket delegation includes Sens. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) and Reps. Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket), Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket), Mary Duffy Messier (D-Dist. 62, Pawtucket), Brianna E. Henries (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket) and House Majority Whip Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence, Pawtucket).