As a child who grew up in the Dominican Republic, a nation that experienced years of dictatorship and extreme poverty, my family and our community faced many daily struggles – jobs and public services were scarce. We found strength and support amongst each other. From an early age, my parents taught me to rely on our faith in God, treasure family, and serve a broader community – because they had been so crucial in our own lives. They showed me the importance of sharing and cooperation, values I’ve taken with me throughout my personal and profession journey.
My background has empowered me to challenge systems and people to tear down the walls of discrimination, oppression and indifference that keep our most vulnerable population without access to opportunities. Every day we are all called upon to stand up for justice in one way or another and it is our responsibility to answer the call. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best, “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” This quote has been an important inspiration to take every opportunity I have to stand up for justice.
Before becoming the Director of Rhode Island’s Department of Human Services (DHS), I served as the Director of the Crime Victims Compensation Program in the office of the General Treasurer, my daily work involved providing support and encouragement to the victims of violent crime. I also served as Executive Director of the Providence Human Relations Commission, my charge was to protect the rights of people who faced discrimination in housing, employment, and public services.
Now, as Director of Rhode Island’s Department of Human Services, my primary responsibilities are to strengthen families and help individuals to grow, to succeed, and achieve their goals. In some ways this position is the culmination of many years of work, in public and private sector agencies, focused on the needs of the community, working for social justice and defending human rights and dignity. Leading DHS is my most challenging job yet, but it is also one which offers an abundance of opportunities to cultivate our community by providing assistance to those who may simply need a boost, as well as those who rely on state assistance to provide for their families. I am humbled, but also honored, to have this responsibility. With the values imparted by my parents, the memory of my own childhood experiences, and my lifelong commitment to public service, I will continue to serve, as best I can, promoting justice and dignity for all individuals and families in Rhode Island, and strengthening our community as a whole. Beyond my professional responsibilities, my commitment to community empowerment also led me to service on the boards of organizations that promote education for children, and healthy communities across the state.
I now have the opportunity to instill in my nine year old son, Alijah, those same values that have guided my professional and personal life. Standing up for justice is the ultimate responsibility that we all have.
Melba Depeña Affigne has served as director for Department of Human Services since January 2015. Depeña Affigne brings extensive experience working with diverse populations in the State. Prior, she served as director of Crime Victims Compensation Unit in Office of General Treasurer, executive director of Providence Human Relations Commission and executive director of Rhode Island Democratic Party. Depeña Affigne is a graduate of University of Rhode Island where she earned Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Human Development and Family Studies. She has served on board of directors of organizations such as Girl Scouts of Rhode Island, The Latino Civic Fund and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Corporation Board, among others.
photo by Agapao Productions
