Erin Papa | Executive Director
Erin L. Papa, Ph.D., is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island which aims to create a culturally sustaining educational environment where all RI students learn in multiple languages from Pre-K to college. She has worked as an education consultant on projects indicative of her commitment to language education policy as well as programming that is reflective of community strengths and has taught multilingual learners in K-16 in school and community spaces in the US, China, and Australia. Erin previously served as a faculty member and director of the World Languages Teacher Education Program at Rhode Island College and worked for the Chinese Flagship and International Engineering Programs at the University of Rhode Island. She speaks English, German, Spanish, and some Mandarin Chinese and is reclaiming her heritage language Italian.
Reach Erin at: erinp@multilingualri.org
Alicia Pratt | Coalition Coordinator
Alicia Pratt is the Coordinator of the Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island. Born in Mexico and raised in a border town in Texas, Alicia grew up immersed in Spanish, her first language, and was able to continue learning and using it throughout her life. In college, she studied German, and later added Mandarin to her linguistic repertoire while teaching English as a Second Language in China. She is committed to continuing her language story by working towards fluency in both German and Mandarin.
Reach Alicia at: aliciap@multilingualri.org
Cindy Miranda | Communications Coordinator
Cindy Miranda is a proud Rhode Island native of Mexican and Guatemalan heritage who brings a deep commitment to language access and equity to her work with the Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island. Raised in the vibrant Olneyville neighborhood, Cindy uses her multilingualism in English and Spanish to connect with and advocate for her community—both as a dedicated parent of multilingual children in Rhode Island public schools and as an engaged community member. Her lived experience drives her passion for creating inclusive spaces where all languages and cultures are valued.
Reach Cindy at: cindym@multilingualri.org
Larissa Guido Swenson | PRIME Navigator
Larissa Guido Swenson was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil and moved to the United States after completing her undergraduate degree in education.
After several years working in multilingual education in Rhode Island, Larissa was finally able to have her degree recognized as a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
Today, Larissa holds a Master of Arts in teaching in World Languages Education and has over 15 years of teaching and advocating for multilingual learners. She is committed to expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities to pursue careers in education and to celebrating the value of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Reach Larissa at: larissag@multilingualri.org
Committees
