Senator Ana B. Quezada

Ana B. Quezada is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island Senate representing District 2 . She has served in the state senate since January 2017, following her initial election in November 2016.

Quezada grew up outside Providence and moved to the city in 1990, where she earned her GED. She began her career in community service as a volunteer at Dorcas Place and worked at Ocean State Job Lot. In 1995, she transitioned into social services, becoming a coordinator at John Hope Settlement House. Since 2003, she has worked as a code enforcement inspector for the City of Providence.

Education

Quezada earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Springfield College in 2017.

Political Experience

Quezada holds the position of Deputy Senate Majority Whip and serves on the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Labor & Gaming.

Throughout her legislative career, she has sponsored significant legislation on a range of issues:

• Minimum wage increase to $15 per hour by January 1, 2025
• Doula services eligibility for reimbursement through private insurance plans
• Human Trafficking Prevention Notice Act, requiring hotels to post reporting numbers
• Parole Board early supervision termination provisions
• Civil anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community
• Dual language immersion programs and a "state seal of biliteracy" for high school graduates
• Exemption of natural hair braiders from licensing requirements as hairdressers and cosmeticians
• Proposals to end Rhode Island's "employment-at-will" doctrine

In 2023, Quezada announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in a special election to succeed Congressman David Cicilline.