Ruggiero Named RI Leader For National Women In Government Group

JAMESTOWN, RI — Rep. Deborah Ruggiero has been named statewide director of a national non-profit that links female state legislators from around the United States.

The non-partisan Women In Government is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and provides leadership opportunities, expert forums, and educational resources on complex public policy issues to women elected as state lawmakers across the country.

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The Jamestown Democrat will serve as the organization’s ambassador in Rhode Island. She was appointed by a national board of directors comprised of other state legislators. State directors keep the organization informed about pressing policy issues in their individual states. In a media release, Women In Government said it is committed to party parity and diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I am honored to serve Women In Government, which has been a tremendous resource for women lawmakers for more than 30 years. This is an opportunity to collaborate with and learn from other women in state legislators across the country, at an exciting time when we have opportunities for great change," said Ruggiero. "I’m proud to be a woman in a leadership position here in Rhode Island, and look forward to new opportunities as a state director for Women In Government.”

Rep. Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) is chairwoman of the House Innovation, Internet and Technology Committee. She was chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business from 2016 through 2018, and chaired the House Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Environment and Transportation from 2015 through 2018. She co-chaired the Special Legislative Commission to Study Broadband Services and Accessibility, and has been an advocate in the General Assembly for expanded broadband services across the state. She was first elected to the House in 2008.