Angel Taveras

Angel Taveras is a Rhode Island politician who served as the Mayor of Providence from 2011 to 2015. He was the first Hispanic mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, and his election was seen as a significant milestone for the Latino community in the United States. Taveras's mayoralty was marked by efforts to revitalize the city's economy and improve its education system, with partnerships with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Education Association. His work was also influenced by the policies of other Democratic mayors, such as Michael Bloomberg of New York City and Rahm Emanuel of Chicago.

● Early Life and Education

Angel Taveras was born in 1969 in Providence, Rhode Island, to parents who had immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. He grew up in the South Providence neighborhood and attended Classical High School, where he was an active member of the National Honor Society and the Debate Team. Taveras then went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and was involved with the Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance and the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. After graduating from Harvard University, Taveras attended Georgetown University Law Center, earning a Juris Doctor degree and participating in the Georgetown Law Journal and the National Black Law Students Association.

● Career

Before entering politics, Angel Taveras worked as a lawyer and a community organizer in Providence, Rhode Island. He was a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and he worked with organizations such as the United Way and the American Civil Liberties Union. Taveras also served on the board of directors for the Providence Housing Authority and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, and he was a member of the Providence City Council from 1999 to 2002, working with other council members such as John Lombardi and Joseph Paolino. His experience in these roles was influenced by the work of other Democratic politicians, such as Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, who represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate.

● Mayor of Providence

As Mayor of Providence, Angel Taveras focused on improving the city's economy and education system. He worked with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Providence Foundation to attract new businesses to the city, and he partnered with Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design to develop innovative education programs. Taveras also launched initiatives to reduce crime and improve public safety, working with the Providence Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to implement community policing strategies. His efforts were recognized by other Democratic mayors, such as Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles and Julian Castro of San Antonio, who faced similar challenges in their own cities.

● Personal Life

Angel Taveras is married to Dr. Farah Escamilla, a psychologist who works with the Providence Public Schools. He has two children, Ava Taveras and Julian Taveras, and is a member of the St. Patrick's Church in Providence, Rhode Island. Taveras is also a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, and he has participated in charity events with other Rhode Island politicians, such as Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, to support organizations like the United Way and the American Cancer Society.

● Political Career

After serving as Mayor of Providence, Angel Taveras ran for Governor of Rhode Island in 2014, but lost the Democratic primary to Gina Raimondo. He then went on to work as a lawyer and a consultant, advising clients such as the City of New York and the State of California on education and economic development issues. Taveras has also been involved in various Democratic organizations, including the Democratic National Committee and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, and he has worked with other Democratic politicians, such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, to promote progressive policies and support Latino candidates.