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Victor Capellan is an experienced executive leader in education with a demonstrated history of working with communities and families to ensure sustainable change that improves learning and life outcomes for children. He is strategic and innovative and is skilled in coalition-building, education reform, and social justice advocacy.
Most recently, Victor served as Senior Advisor to the Rhode Island Education Commissioner. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the Commissioner’s Strategic Advisory Team, the School Building Authority, and the Charter School Office, and he created the Office of Equity and Diversity. Previously, Victor served as Superintendent of Schools in Central Falls, where he launched a district improvement effort focused on equity, including creating the first dual-language school in the city. He is the former Assistant Superintendent in Fall River, Massachusetts, and served as Principal of the EBC High School in Brooklyn, NY. Victor is currently an adjunct professor at Providence College, where he serves as a clinical supervisor for students in the Graduate Program for School Leadership.
In addition to his roles in education, Victor has been a political advisor to many elected officials in Rhode Island, serving as Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s transition co-chair, Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s campaign co-chair, as Former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras’ deputy campaign manager, and Former State Senator and current City Councilman Juan Pichardo’s political director.
Victor has served on several community boards, including the founding boards of Latino Dollars for Scholars and the RI Latino PAC (RILPAC). In addition, he served as Past President of Quisqueya en Accion and the Dominican American National Roundtable. Victor has been a member of the Providence Zoning Board, the RI Nature Conservancy, the Narragansett Boy Scouts Council, and Rhode Island Hospital, as well as Chair of the Rhode Island Kids Count Board of Directors and of Rhode Island Housing.
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1992, a master’s degree in human development and Family Studies in 1996, and a master’s degree in education in 2002 all from the University of Rhode Island. Victor lives in Providence with his wife, Diana, and their son, Luis Francisco.
Andrew joined Rhode Island Education Collective because he believes it can play an essential role in bringing stakeholders together and strengthening the educational ecosystem. In his role, he manages the overall strategic vision of the Collective.
Since 2006, Andrew has worked in Rhode Island’s education sector in a variety of roles. He began his career on the after-school support staff of a neighborhood-based program in Providence while earning his bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education at Providence College. He then attended Brown University, where he earned a master’s degree in urban education policy and completed research internships with Brockton Public Schools in Massachusetts and the Rhode Island Afterschool Alliance.
Andrew then joined the founding team at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts (TAPA), a charter school in Providence, as a special educator in 2010. Over the next 11 years, he held several positions, culminating in three years as assistant head of school. While at TAPA, Andrew and the head of school were recognized by Providence Monthly as one of the “Ten to Watch” in the city in 2020. Andrew also led a team that earned the school the national designation as an XQ Super School.
After TAPA, Andrew became the Rhode Island Department of Education’s first director of the Office of School Opportunities, which leads the agency’s work with charter schools and state-operated schools. While there, Andrew oversaw the growth of the EnrollRI platform and coordinated collaboration across different education sectors.
Andrew lives in Rhode Island with his amazing wife, Katherine; his incredible son, Walker; and his wonderful dog, BB. He also serves on the board for New Urban Arts, and the education advisory committee for Rhode Island PBS Education Services.
After a tenure on its board, Clarissa now manages the day-to-day operations of Rhode Island Education Collective and provides executive support. Her professional journey has been underscored by a commitment to mission-driven endeavors. With a foundational background in nonprofit work, Clarissa harbors a deep appreciation for the ethos underpinning such organizations, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering societal well-being. Her ongoing engagement in the nonprofit sector is testament to her enduring dedication to aiding individuals in need.
Clarissa offers an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of Rhode Island’s cities, towns and neighborhoods thanks to her decade-plus experience as a licensed Realtor® in the state. Currently serving as the president of Women’s Council of Realtors Rhode Island (WCR of RI) and secretary of the National Association of Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Clarissa demonstrates a steadfast commitment to industry leadership and professional development. She leverages her diligence, passion, and organizational acumen to serve her clientele effectively.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Clarissa treasures moments spent nurturing her familial bonds with her daughters. Whether embarking on nature walks or indulging in culinary experiences at their preferred eateries, she staunchly advocates for the importance of achieving a harmonious work-life equilibrium as a cornerstone of enhanced productivity and personal fulfillment.
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