PROVIDENCE -Marcela Betancur has been named director of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University, the school announced Wednesday.
Betancur succeeds Gabriela Domenzain who left the position in July after 11 months.
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Betancur’s expertise in local Latinx affairs includes housing, education, civil liberties and workforce development issues. Her professional experience includes research, strategy and development positions with the Providence Housing Authority, Central Falls School District, the Economic Progress Institute, American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley.
Betancur will officially take over leadership of the LPI effective Jan. 14.
Andy Workman, RWU interim president, said in a statement the school is “very pleased to have someone of Marcela Betancur’s experience and passion” lead the LPI.
He added, “We are confident that she will expand its scope and effectiveness in developing policy proposals that meet the needs of Rhode Island’s Latinx population and the state as a whole.”
A North Providence resident, Betancur is the current Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee & Civic Fund vice president and as a national program committee alumni chair for the New Leaders Council.
Betancur stated Wednesday that, as LPI director, she looks forward to “forging new relationships and nurturing exiting ones – not only with other organizations and institutions, but, most importantly, with the Latinx community.”
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
