A Trailblazer for Rhode Island with over 15 Years of Dedicated Public Service
“My experience in this country is like so many Rhode Islanders: we arrive, we work hard, and we help our neighbors. Serving the community that embraced my family is the honor of a lifetime.”
The Hard Earned American Dream
At the age of 20, Sabina Matos immigrated to the United States with her family from the town of Paraiso in the Dominican Republic.
Sabina arrived to the United States on a Friday, and was working hard at a local manufacturer by Monday morning.
That relentless work ethic is the type of commitment and resilience Rhode Islanders deserve.
To achieve the American Dream, Sabina relied on free language classes, and worked part time to pay her way through Rhode Island College and integrate into her new home.
Her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations helped her become a contributing member of her community and achieve her goal of becoming an American Citizen in 2005.
Over 15 Years of Local and Statewide Leadership
Building from her own experiences moving to a new home, Sabina quickly became involved in improving her local Providence community: Olneyville. Her advocacy naturally evolved into a 15-year career in public service, expanding beyond Olneyville to serve all of Providence on the City Council, then as City Council President, and now, as your Lieutenant Governor.
A Resume that Speaks for Itself
Providence City Council:
Sabina was elected to the Providence City Council in 2010, taking office in January 2011 to represent Ward 15, which includes parts of Olneyville, Silver Lake, and Valley neighborhoods.
Council President:
Recognizing her collaborative leadership and ability to solve complex local problems, Sabina’s peers elected her President of the Providence City Council in January 2019, a role she held until 2021, when she was selected from a pool of over 60 candidates, to serve as Rhode Island’s Lieutenant Governor.
Lieutenant Governor:
In April 2021, Sabina was sworn in as the 70th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Rhode Island. She became the first Afro-latina to serve in statewide office in Rhode Island, and the first Dominican American to serve statewide in the United States.
In November 2022, Rhode Islanders, impressed by Sabina’s commitment, once again placed their trust in her and officially elected her to the Office of Lieutenant Governor.
A Trailblazing History
Sabina has made a career of shattering glass ceilings and opening doors for the underrepresented. She holds the distinction of being the first Dominican American elected to a statewide office in the United States. She is also the first Black and Afro-Latina woman to hold a statewide office in Rhode Island’s history.
Delivering Wins for Working Families
As Lieutenant Governor, Sabina has always been a hands-on leader who tackles the everyday issues impacting Rhode Island families. She actively chairs the state’s Emergency Management Advisory Council, the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, and the Small Business Advocacy Council.
STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITIES
“She came up to me at an event in Woonsocket and we talked for twenty minutes. She remembered my name the next time she saw me.”
Maria R., Woonsocket
“When they cut SNAP, I did not know what we were going to do. Her office got food to us within days. I do not forget things like that.”
Carlos D., Providence
“I am a vet. I have met a lot of politicians. She is one of the very few who actually asks questions and then listens to the answers.”
James M., Cranston
“My grandmother came from Portugal with nothing. When she heard Sabina’s story, she cried. She said it sounded like her own life.”
Angie F., East Providence
“Grocery prices have gone up every month for two years. Knowing she has actual bills in the legislature right now, that makes a real difference.”
Diane T., Pawtucket
