Tessie came to RI through the CIA project Operación Pedro Pan (Operation Peter Pan). In her 35-year career at the RI Department of Labor and Training, Tessie helped immigrants and Spanish-speakers in the community to secure employment. Tessie further served the community in her 20 years as a board member for Progreso Latino. The full story from Tessie’s interview can be read here.

Rhode Island Cubans and Cuban-Americans, please help us to enrich our project by sharing your stories as well!

We are still collecting stories of Spanish-speaking pioneers from any country. Write a note below, or please contact us via this page if you have a story to share, or if you know of someone in RI, MA or CT we should interview.