RI NOW 2023 Presidential Candidate Responses
The RI NOW 2023 Elections Committee created a questionnaire for our Presidential candidates to complete. Below are the questions and the candidates’ respective replies.
Sucely J Murillo
1) What is your vision for RI NOW? Where would you want to see the organization two years from now?
I am so appreciative for this question because I am more than excited to see a successful well organize organization.I know it would not be easy,it would take patience, time, dedication, courage, hard work a set of all my skills, new adventures, but I have a passion for success.I see this organization as an opportunity to take part of its fresh start, from scratch like a recipe to succeed, with a modern and collective environment to create change, bringing sustainability, diversity, equity and equality. Bringing everyone together, I see this organization 2 years from now with a foundation strong enough to continue to succeed because me along others who are being part of it have the same vision of a progressive, humble, kind and prosperous state. By giving me the opportunity to take this role. I will lead and never give up, will make sure to empower this organization and to be part of the success it would bring to our state, to lead it with honor dignity and humbleness. RI Now will rise up to take charge of our political world. I am RI Now and with the right tools and this opportunity I will make sure it happens.
2) What strengths (knowledge, skills, experiences) do you bring to the role of President to make that vision a reality?
Having President title RI Now is the next step in my path towards me running for office when I’m ready to. I have taken opportunities to prepare my self to lead and create change. A s a President being part of the organization success would be my priority. Identifying the needs of communities accepting mines. I’ve watched leaders who are leading us, by watching and learning from them, can make you understand the meaning of a person who cares, being a board member and being ready to be president to RI Now is my newest accomplishment.To put in practice the knowledge I have gather to make my personal vision a reality. I have learn to be part of the political world to connect with, City Councilor, Mayor, Senator, Representative, as part of our communities growth and prosperity, to better support communities who need the support.My skills come from my network, internships I have accomplished ,political folks, community leaders and organizations I have helped thru fundraising, activism, advocacy, organizing, working family parent, social media, community leader, speaker, and RI Kids count awardee. Someone who’s not willing to give up, because I want a loving and kind society for all of us.
Lesley BunnEll
1) What is your vision for RI NOW? Where would you want to see the organization two years from now?
My vision of RI NOW aligns with my excitement to join the board in the first place. I envision a dynamic and diverse board and membership that attracts more partnerships with communities of color, especially in service for disenfranchised WoC. The membership and board should represent all of RI and that also means much more engagement in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well. Of course these things intersect, but in order to diversify RI NOW, we need a multifaceted approach to diversity and inclusion.
2) What strengths (knowledge, skills, experiences) do you bring to the role of President to make that vision a reality?
My best strengths are my dedication and enthusiasm. I have been a lifetime advocate and organizer, as I was raised by my family who place service and support of community as a high priority in one’s life, standing up for disenfranchised folks, which includes myself. I believe It is my responsibility to use my voice to uplift those who are unrepresented.
I am always enthusiastic, which doesn’t always translate into a chipper personality, but rather a passionate queer Black single mom who knows that while everyone can have a shot at success, it doesn’t mean they do, nor fo they have the resources to realize said successes. My life struggles mirror the struggles those in my community face and, again, I feel it is my responsibility to speak up, show up, and deliver when fighting for equity for women and femmes, which intersects with queer and communities of color.