Yesenia Rubio

“My name is Yesenia Rubio, I was born and raised in Rhode Island, and Pawtucket is the place my family and I call home. My spouse and I recently started our business, Notes Coffee Co. here, and it is where we welcomed our first child named Julian L. Rubio who is just 2 years old. I am running for re-election as a City Councilwoman at-Large in the City of Pawtucket.

My story is tied deeply to the story of my family. My parents came to the United States from Colombia in the 1980’s in pursuit of better opportunities and a more prosperous life. They worked tirelessly and persevered to establish a strong family foundation and provide the opportunities they never had when they were young. My mother, Gloria L. Rubio, is an insurance agent, small business owner, and art enthusiast. My father, Guillermo A. Rubio, is a craftsman and maintenance worker. My sister, Vanessa Rubio, is a paralegal, and makeup artist. My Wife, Yesenia Figueroa, is a retired Sergeant First Class Veteran, who served in the U.S Army for 12 years, with an 11-month tour in Afghanistan, works for RISD and loves spending time at Slater Park with our dog, Lyric.

My family is my backbone and the force behind my mission to ensure all families can build a strong, healthy family foundation in the city of Pawtucket, a place that we have proudly called home for over 10 years.

I am an alumna of Central Falls High School, College Crusade, Upward Bound, and the Talent Development Program at the University of Rhode Island. I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Communication Studies, and a Project Management Certificate from Bryant University.

When I was younger, I had the opportunity to work in the community. I created programs and provided services for youth, adults, and seniors. In my early professional career, I had the opportunity and pleasure of consulting for small businesses providing marketing and business development services. For almost five years, I worked for Pawtucket’s very own Teknor Apex Company, as a digital marketing specialist.

I had always dreamed of creating a space for community, conversation, and enjoyment of something I absolutely love … coffee! My wife and I brought community together at Notes Coffee Co. through coat drives, conversations about mental health, empowerment talks focused on women in business, displays of local artists, and makers’ markets. I look forward to expanding on these ideas over time.

I believe in Pawtucket’s potential. I believe in its people. I believe Pawtucket can become a City that leads in education, housing affordability, and support for small businesses. I believe we can work towards these goals together.”