Delegate Deni Taveras

Deni Taveras is a Dominican American politician born on December 13, 1972, in New York City. She currently resides in Hyattsville, Maryland, where she has lived for over 18 years. Taveras is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 47B in Prince George's County and is a member of the Democratic Party.

She is fluent in both English and Spanish and has been recognized as a strong advocate for social justice, environmental protection, and immigrant rights. Taveras made history as the first Latina elected to the Prince George's County Council and to serve in Council leadership.

Education

Taveras holds degrees from three prestigious institutions:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University
• Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Utah
• Master's degree in Public Affairs and Urban & Regional Planning from Princeton University's School of International and Public Affairs

Political Experience

*Maryland House of Delegates *

Taveras was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in November 2022 and sworn in on January 11, 2023. She serves on the House Health and Government Operations Committee and the Insurance and Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee. She is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Women Legislators of Maryland, and the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, where she serves as secretary and treasurer.

*Prince George's County Council *

Taveras served as a County Council member representing District 2 for eight years and was reelected in 2018 to a second four-year term. She held several leadership positions including Vice-Chair of the County Council , making her the first Latina to serve in Council leadership. During her tenure, she:

• Increased county revenues from $3.3 billion to $4.6 billion
• Chaired the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee
• Sponsored legislation establishing a Language Access program and a Universal Representation program for immigrants in deportation proceedings—the latter being the first of its kind in the region
• Delivered $10 billion in development in her district, including nine schools and two libraries under construction
• Negotiated the county's $4.1 billion budget

Professional Background

Prior to her County Council service, Taveras worked as an Environmental Scientist and Chemist for the Environmental Protection Agency and held positions with the Federal Emergency Management Administration in public affairs, disaster assistance, and infrastructure analysis . She served as a Legislative Aide to Maryland State Senator Victor Ramirez and as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park .

Taveras has been recognized with numerous awards, including the HIP Affordable Housing Champion Award, the Community Impact Award from the Capital Area Immigrant Rights Coalition, and selection to the Powerlist 100 by El Tiempo Latino newspaper.