ONE OF US - UNO DE NOSOTROS
FROM DABOLL STREET TO CITY HALL
De la calle Daboll al Ayuntamiento
Early Life
Juan came to this country from the Dominican Republic as a nine-year-old boy. After a few years in New York City, his mother moved the family to Rhode Island in 1979 in search of what every parent wants: better housing, decent jobs and good schools for her kids.
He grew up on Daboll Street, Indiana Avenue and Miller Avenue and in Chad Brown, attended Gilbert Stuart Middle School and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. His first job came through the JTPA Summer Youth Employment Program at the McDonald's on Broad Street.
He worked long hours to pay his own way through college and help his mother raise his two younger sisters, earning degrees from CCRI and Rhode Island College.
“This is my story, and the story of so many families in our neighborhood.”
Esta es mi historia, y la de tantas familias de nuestro vecindario.
- Juan M. Pichardo
A Life of Service
Juan served in the Rhode Island Air National Guard from 1988 to 2010, retiring as a Master Sergeant. For 14 years he worked at Rhode Island Hospital, the state's largest health care facility, as an orderly and a patient financial advocate, where he learned the value of caring for others.
From 2003 to 2017 he represented the 2nd Senate District: Elmwood, South Providence, the West End and Washington Park. He was the first Latino elected to the Rhode Island Senate and the first Dominican American elected to a state senate anywhere in the United States.
In the Senate he served as Deputy Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore, as 2nd Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, and as Chairman of the Senate Youth Violence Task Force. He introduced and helped pass the nolo contendere law, which requires judges to inform immigrants of their rights.
22 years, Air National Guard - Master Sergeant
ON THE CITY COUNCIL SINCE 2023
Leading on the Council
President Pro Tempore
Providence City Council
Chair, HOPE Committee
Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education
Chair, Veterans Affairs
Special Commission on Veterans Affairs
Chair, Ward Boundaries
Committee on Ward Boundaries
Water Supply Board
Providence Water Supply Board member
Board of Parks
Providence Board of Parks Commissioners
FAQ
What does a city councilor do?
The 15-member Providence City Council passes the city's laws and budget. Your Ward 9 councilor is also your direct line to City Hall for potholes, trash pickup, parks and other city services.
Am I in Ward 9?
Ward 9 covers Elmwood, South Elmwood and the Roger Williams Park neighborhoods. Check your address on the Secretary of State's voter portal.
How do I reach Juan?
Call or text his cell at 401-527-6427 or email juan@juanmpichardo.com.
Family & Community
Juan and his wife Janet, a Director for Family Partnerships and Engagement in the Providence School Department, have been married for 32 years and raised their three children in Ward 9. Cristian served on active duty and is now a veteran and welder, Tiffanie graduated from RIC, and Emilio attends URI.
He is a former President of the Elmwood Foundation and of Quisqueya In Action, Inc., and has coached and supported young people through the Roberto Clemente Little League and the Cal Ripken baseball league at Roger Williams Park.
Juan and Janet, 32 years in Ward 9