RI PowerPlayer: Kristina Contreras Fox

RI PowerPlayer: Kristina Contreras Fox

GoLocalProv regularly shines the spotlight on one individual who is making an impact on Rhode Island.  This week, GoLocalProv sat down with Kristina Contreras Fox, resource coordinator for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and the recently elected Vice President of the Young Democrats of America.

You were just elected VP of the Young Democrats of America.  What, in your opinion, does this have to say about the state of Democratic politics in Rhode Island? 

This says to me that, although we're a small state, RI Democrats bring a lot to the national table. Also we support each other. Young Democrats of RI had one of the largest New England delegations at the convention in Los Angeles. Forget crossing the Bay: we cross the country.

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Explain to us how you see the role of the "young dems" -- is there any division with the party's "older" counterparts?  

The mission of the Young Democrats of America is to elect Democrats, advocate for progressive issues, and train the next generation of leaders. That is a mission shared by hundreds of thousands of Democrats across the country regardless of age. 

We're the big tent party, and we recognize that diversity is our strength. We may have disagreements, but that consensus-building is key to what makes the Democratic Party great. Young Democrats and young-at-heart Democrats understand that our party operates best on a foundation of inclusivity, dedication to positive change, and respect for one another. 

Are there issues that are more pressing to this generation, and what is your focus?

When it comes to issues facing our generation, I want to ensure we speak about them and act on them in a way that's intersectional. It's not enough to say that we need economic justice, we need racial justice, we need education justice. It's recognizing that all these issues are inextricably tied, and they affect certain communities more intensely than others. 

At the YDA National Convention, I asked: How do the Young Democrats of America ensure that we are a true ally in the fight for social justice? How do we support the DREAMers, the Black Lives Matter movement, our comrades in the trans community, our friends drowning in student loan debt? We do so by empowering those most affected to lead the way. 

What do you expect the year will hold as VP of the Young Dems?  Obviously, it will be an exciting year with the Presidential election  What's on your agenda as an organization? 

National officers are elected to serve two year terms. My team has a bold biennium ahead of us. We will engage our membership and remove barriers to participation. We will empower our fellow Young Democrats with the tools and the resources they need to succeed as individuals and for their state chapters. 

Any Presidential election year is a huge opportunity to engage young people. You know what the most common answer in YDA is to "How did you get involved with politics?" "I got involved in 2008 with the Obama campaign." We want to make sure those folks stay a part of the organization after Election Day. That happens by engaging our people. I’ll be an organizer, not only a Vice President. 

We have a hashtag in our organization: #YDAFamily. My teammates embody that for me. I’m so excited for the work we’ll do together in the next two years and beyond. 

So let's move to the quick hitters -- 

1.  Favorite politician: Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). I saw her speak when at Netroots Nation in 2012. Her story and advocacy inspires me greatly. She also has a great sense of humor. Sen Hirono once said, "I bring quadruple diversity to the Senate: I'm a woman; I'll be the first Asian woman ever to be elected to the U.S. Senate; I am an immigrant; I am a Buddhist. When I said this at one of my gatherings, they said, 'Yes, but are you gay?'" and she said, "'Nobody's perfect.'"

2.  Best restaurant in Providence: What a question for a Federal Hill gal! One of my absolute favorites is North in Luongo Square. Not only do they cook unbelievable food, they're also huge supporters of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank where I work. 

3.  Best book you've read this year: "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo" by Hayden Herrera. My dad got me a copy for my birthday. Even if you're not an art fan, I highly recommend it. 

4.   Advice for the next Kristina Fox: Your passion is your power, people are your strength, and, for crying out loud, stop skipping meals! You know the Italian American Club on Broadway does take out.