Alumni Profiles
For Women's History Month, the District profiled Providence Public School staff who also graduated from Providence Public Schools. Learn about them and their story below.
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Carina Pinto de Chacon
Mount Pleasant High School, Class of 1996 -
Christina Toro
Classical High School, Class of 1999 -
Flor de Maria Ribezzo
Central High School, Class of 1985 -
Janet Pichardo
Central High School, Class of 1987 -
Jennifer Efflandt
Classical High School, Class of 2005 -
Jennifer Walker
Classical High School, Class of 1989 -
Kristen Lussier
Classical High School, Class of 1985 -
Renee Walker
Classical High School, Class of 1987 -
Sindy Giard
Central High School, Class of 1992 -
Youa Hang
Central High School, Class of 1981
Carina Pinto de Chacon
Mount Pleasant High School, Class of 1996
"To share a little bit of my own story, I was a multilingual learner student in Providence Public Schools. I remember what it felt like to navigate school while learning English — trying to keep up with lessons, working hard to understand assignments, and sometimes feeling like an outsider. It wasn’t always easy. But what made a difference for me was access — access to teachers who supported me, to programs that valued my home language, and to resources that helped me succeed. That access changed my trajectory, and today, as an educator, advocate, and leader, I know firsthand the power of investing in others. This Women’s History Month, let’s commit to breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and ensuring that everyone—no matter their background or identity—has the opportunity to succeed."
Christina Toro
Classical High School, Class of 1999
“As a teacher and parent within the Classical community, I'm privileged to witness firsthand how this same diverse environment continues to benefit generations of students. It is a powerful reminder that the lessons I learned at Classical – the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and embracing differences – are not just abstract concepts, but tangible tools for navigating an increasingly complex world. It is with this knowledge that I approach Women's History Month as a crucial time to reflect on the ongoing fight for equity. We must continue to acknowledge the importance of intersectionality – recognizing that women's experiences are not interchangeable. We must acknowledge the diverse realities shaped by race, class, sexual orientation and other identities, ensuring that all women's voices are heard and valued.”
Flor de Maria Ribezzo
Central High School, Class of 1985
"I am incredibly fortunate to have graduated from Central High School in 1985. As a newly arrived immigrant from Guatemala, I faced many challenges at the beginning such as learning a new language, a new culture, and adapting to a new way of life. As a Hispanic woman and a former MLL student, I have faced and continue to face many challenges along my journey. I am happy to say that I always had many teacher mentors and strong women who helped me and offered their support which inspired me to strive for excellence. Their support shaped my commitment to education and helping others succeed."
"As a former History teacher, Women's History Month holds special significance for me because it is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to our society. My goal has always been to empower others, helping them adapt, grow, and reach their fullest potential in this beautiful country full of opportunities."
"One of my greatest blessings is having graduated from Central High School - Business Magnet Program in 1987. My high school experience helped shape my life’s journey to be where I am today and having formed my circle then and now of strong extraordinary women. For the past 22 years I’ve enjoyed making a difference in the lives of Providence Public Schools families gaining their trust to provide COMFORT -to ease their concerns, GUIDANCE - to take action, COMPASSION - to believe there is a helping hand, and EMPATHY - acknowledging the feelings of fear and hope because parenting is hard.
During Woman’s History Month, let’s unselfishly uplift young ladies and all women by living as a shining example of personal strength, self-respect, perseverance, dignity, and inspiration."
"I feel very fortunate that as a Latina and former Multilingual Learner in Providence, I had many strong women educators and mentors who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. Being able to see other women of color in positions of power and influence helped shape my experience as a student and leader. Women's history month is important to me because it helps recognize and celebrate the multifaceted contributions of women in our society. As a subgroup that has had to fight for equitable rights and representation throughout history, it is important to highlight women and help empower future generations."
"To me Women’s History is a time to highlight the myriad accomplishments of women from all over the world throughout history and into modern day. For centuries, what constitutes “history” has been almost entirely defined and chronicled by the white male perspective, leaving out significant contributions of many populations, women included. Recognizing these contributions is important for many reasons, not the least of which that young females grow up with a wide range of role models and envision themselves pursuing every and any path imaginable.
My experience as a PPSD student has been pivotal to me both personally and professionally. Growing up attending urban, integrated schools, I developed an early appreciation for differences and diversity which eventually grew into passion for justice and equity. Throughout my years at Classical, I always knew that I wanted to be an urban educator, providing city kids the same educational opportunities that students from more wealthy suburbs receive. When as an upper classman I began to notice that many of my classmates were from Spanish speaking homes and not only never spoke Spanish at school but were in many cases changing their names to something more “pronounceable” for English speakers, I realized that I wanted to go into bilingual urban education. My goal became to help young learners maintain their home culture and language while also becoming proficient in English. This goal fueled me to minor in Spanish which then lead to serving in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic – an amazing experience that proved invaluable once I became a teacher here in Providence.
My commitment to Providence Schools and Providence students, a commitment that began when I was still in high school, has defined much of my life. I have dedicated my entire 26-yr career to the Spanish-speaking population of PPSD. In addition, I am a resident of the Elmwood neighborhood, and my daughter is also a Classical High School graduate. I am proud to be a PPSD graduate and now a PPSD Principal."
"From the moment I stepped into the classroom, I knew I had found my calling. I began my career in Providence Schools and never looked back. Over the past 33 years, I have dedicated myself to education, with the last 13 years as an administrator at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. My deep appreciation for different cultures has been an asset in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Growing up in Providence, I had the privilege of forming friendships with people from diverse cultures, races, and religions—something that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
Education is more than a career for me—it’s my passion and purpose. Every day, I strive to inspire and support students, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals."
Janet Pichardo
Central High School, Class of 1987
"One of my greatest blessings is having graduated from Central High School - Business Magnet Program in 1987. My high school experience helped shape my life’s journey to be where I am today and having formed my circle then and now of strong extraordinary women. For the past 22 years I’ve enjoyed making a difference in the lives of Providence Public Schools families gaining their trust to provide COMFORT -to ease their concerns, GUIDANCE - to take action, COMPASSION - to believe there is a helping hand, and EMPATHY - acknowledging the feelings of fear and hope because parenting is hard.
During Woman’s History Month, let’s unselfishly uplift young ladies and all women by living as a shining example of personal strength, self-respect, perseverance, dignity, and inspiration."
Jennifer Efflandt
Classical High School, Class of 2005
"I feel very fortunate that as a Latina and former Multilingual Learner in Providence, I had many strong women educators and mentors who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. Being able to see other women of color in positions of power and influence helped shape my experience as a student and leader. Women's history month is important to me because it helps recognize and celebrate the multifaceted contributions of women in our society. As a subgroup that has had to fight for equitable rights and representation throughout history, it is important to highlight women and help empower future generations."
Jennifer Walker
Classical High School, Class of 1989
"To me Women’s History is a time to highlight the myriad accomplishments of women from all over the world throughout history and into modern day. For centuries, what constitutes “history” has been almost entirely defined and chronicled by the white male perspective, leaving out significant contributions of many populations, women included. Recognizing these contributions is important for many reasons, not the least of which that young females grow up with a wide range of role models and envision themselves pursuing every and any path imaginable.
My experience as a PPSD student has been pivotal to me both personally and professionally. Growing up attending urban, integrated schools, I developed an early appreciation for differences and diversity which eventually grew into passion for justice and equity. Throughout my years at Classical, I always knew that I wanted to be an urban educator, providing city kids the same educational opportunities that students from more wealthy suburbs receive. When as an upper classman I began to notice that many of my classmates were from Spanish speaking homes and not only never spoke Spanish at school but were in many cases changing their names to something more “pronounceable” for English speakers, I realized that I wanted to go into bilingual urban education. My goal became to help young learners maintain their home culture and language while also becoming proficient in English. This goal fueled me to minor in Spanish which then lead to serving in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic – an amazing experience that proved invaluable once I became a teacher here in Providence.
My commitment to Providence Schools and Providence students, a commitment that began when I was still in high school, has defined much of my life. I have dedicated my entire 26-yr career to the Spanish-speaking population of PPSD. In addition, I am a resident of the Elmwood neighborhood, and my daughter is also a Classical High School graduate. I am proud to be a PPSD graduate and now a PPSD Principal."
"From the moment I stepped into the classroom, I knew I had found my calling. I began my career in Providence Schools and never looked back. Over the past 33 years, I have dedicated myself to education, with the last 13 years as an administrator at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. My deep appreciation for different cultures has been an asset in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Growing up in Providence, I had the privilege of forming friendships with people from diverse cultures, races, and religions—something that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
Education is more than a career for me—it’s my passion and purpose. Every day, I strive to inspire and support students, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals."
Kristen Lussier
Classical High School, Class of 1985
"From the moment I stepped into the classroom, I knew I had found my calling. I began my career in Providence Schools and never looked back. Over the past 33 years, I have dedicated myself to education, with the last 13 years as an administrator at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School. My deep appreciation for different cultures has been an asset in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Growing up in Providence, I had the privilege of forming friendships with people from diverse cultures, races, and religions—something that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
Education is more than a career for me—it’s my passion and purpose. Every day, I strive to inspire and support students, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals."
Renee Walker
Classical High School, Class of 1987
"As a proud product of Providence Public Schools, I am committed to remaining in PPSD to support all Providence students. Most importantly, I hope to serve as a strong, positive role model to our Black and Brown female students - someone they can relate to, someone who is from where they are from, and who is striving to make a difference."
Sindy Giard
Central High School, Class of 1992
“Every struggle, every tear, every smile, every sacrifice, every victory, every story in my life has shaped me, made me who I am, and built the foundation of my empowerment today. I often say that your attitude in life determines your altitude today and the future. As a woman, I need to honor my sacrifices, my strength, my accomplishments and achievements, love myself, and stay strong, courageous, confident, persistent, resilient, and relentless for me and another important person in my life, my daughter. Every struggle and challenge we face today, turn it into a steppingstone for a better future that will allow us to stay empowered, confident, and be an influencer for others.”
