Grace Diaz is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 11 in Providence since her first election in November 2004. Born on February 21, 1957, in the Dominican Republic, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Providence, Rhode Island. She is the first Dominican American elected to high state office in Rhode Island and the United States. Diaz has five children—Maria, Gisselle, Ruben, Felix, and Cristian—and six grandchildren. Notable achievements include serving as Democratic Caucus Chair since 2015, making her part of the House Leadership Team, and as chairwoman of the Legislative Commission on Child Care. She has championed legislation on child care, medical debt protections, fair wages for state-contracted workers, fare-free bus passes for low-income seniors, adult education access, and preventing discriminatory suspensions for children.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: BS in Human Services and MS in Human Services and Management Leadership , both from Springfield College; graduated from Los Angeles Custodios High School .
• Political Experience: Elected Rhode Island State Representative for District 11 ; Democratic Caucus Chair ; First Vice Chair, House Special Legislation Committee; Member, House Finance, Conduct, Rules, and Small Business Committees.
• Other Roles: MBE/WBE Outreach Director, Office of Economic Opportunity, City of Providence ; Senior Adviser on Community Relations, City of Providence ; Vice-Chair, Rhode Island Democratic Party ; Member, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, National Hispanic State Legislators, and Rhode Island Black and Latino Caucus.