Phongsavanh Honored Among State's Female Politicians

School Committee member Vimala Phongsavanh may only be 24, but judging from the company she was in on Tuesday night, she’s on the fast track.  Surrounded by prominent Rhode Island female politicians and their friends, Phongsavanh was awarded the “Rising Star Award” at the YWCA’s third annual Women Holding Office event at Bryant University.

The event focused on supporting women who hold office, are planning to run for office or those involved in campaigns.  State Representatives Grace Diaz from Providence and Deborah Ruggiero from Jamestown were also honored as rising political stars.

“It’s awesome being here,” said Vimala.  She said she was truly humbled to be honored with Diaz and Ruggiero. 

Phongsavanh is the first Lao-American to be elected to a school committee in the United States.  During her campaign, she was determined to get the Southeast Asian community in Fairmount to vote.  She went door-to-door and registered 100 new voters.  She ended up winning the election by 61 votes and the only polling place she carried outright was in Fairmount.

“The selection committee was looking for a young woman who is doing amazing things both in her elected capacity, and as an active member of her community,” said Deborah Perry, the YWCA executive director, “Vimala stands out.” 

Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Carey was also at the event to support Phongsavanh.  He had worked with Phongsavanh on a law enforcement program to teach local business owners how to prevent crime through upgrading their environmental design, such as putting in fences or upgrading their doors.

“Vimala and I have a good friendship,” said Carey, “I like to come out and support her.  It makes me feel good when she gets an award.”

Carey was one of seven men who attended the event.  There were more than 100 women there and a few joked that he was their security. 

Former State Senator Lila Sapinsley delivered a moving speech about her entrance into state politics.  She was just the third female senator ever elected to the General Assembly when she took office in 1973. 

“In my time, we were considered the weaker sex,” said Sapinsley, “We couldn’t handle money, get credit and we were expected to be a home maker.  It was my desire and commitment to free women from those stereotypes." 

She told a story about making the decision to run for office.  She said she contacted Florence Murray, who was the only female senator serving in the General Assembly at the time, and asked her for advice.  Murray said they should meet for lunch at the Social Club.

At the time, said Sapinsley, “Women had to go in through the back entrance of the Social Club, but not us, we marched right up from Benefit Street and walked in.”

After that lunch she was ready to run. 

Once elected she still faced being ostracized by the men.  Senate leaders appointed her to two committees:  on hairdressing and the other on childcare.  She said after she complained she was given a girl scout’s whistle and told to blow on it any time the men were acting up. 

As time went on she fought for the issues that she believed in such as reproductive freedom, minority rights and peace.

“Unfortunately I’m not a leader anymore,” said Sapinsley, “It’s up to all of you to change things.”  She exited the stage to a standing ovation.

Sapinsley was given the Isabella Ahearn O’Neill award for freedom.  Ahearn O’Neill was the first woman elected to the General Assembly, in 1922, just two years after women were given the right to vote.  She was the youngest of 13 children of a Woonsocket City Councilman and had to overcome a divorce, financial struggles and lack of a respected name to build a strong political career.

The other Ahearn award winners were some of the biggest past and present female players in Rhode Island politics.  Elizabeth Roberts, the RI Lieutenant Governor, received the Ahearn leadership award.  Arlene Violet, the former RI Attorney General, received the award for justice and Rhoda Perry, state senator from Providence, received the Ahearn award for peace.  She was charismatic and funny at the podium and delivered one of the best quotes of the night.

“There is an old saying, ‘The cock croweth but the hen delivereth the goods’” said Perry and the audience erupted into laughter and applause.