On behalf of myself and my family, we extend our thanks and congratulations to Governor Gina Raimondo, the nominee for United States Secretary of Commerce for her friendship and her service to our State.

As Rhode Islanders, we should all be proud that our State’s Governor has been tapped by President-elect Biden to be his Secretary of Commerce. It has shown the nation that we may be a small state, but we are mighty.

It has been an honor to work with Governor Raimondo over the years, and to watch how she responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic was a master-class in grace and leadership under eminence pressure. She has inspired all of us to keep moving forward even while facing huge obstacles.

I look forward to working closely with Lt. Governor Dan McKee as he takes on the role of Governor after Governor Raimondo is approved by the United States Senate.

As a young woman who emigrated to this country in 1994, I would not have believed that I would become an elected leader; or that I would know the Governor of my adopted state; and finally, that I would later know the nominees for the United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg – and that I would call them friends.

I am proof that the American dream is real, and that with hard work, determination, and a desire to serve – all things are possible.

Sabina Matos, President
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 15