Allison Lantagne ’20, a graduate from URI’s College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) with a double major in Political Science and Communication Studies, took advantage of the unique dynamic offered by URI and the small world of Rhode Island where networks and community-ties run deep. Lantagne began her journey at URI with the goal to ultimately help people but was unsure how to get there. During her sophomore year she joined URI College Democrats, an organization she would eventually become president of, which opened many doors for her to connect with government officials and activists across Rhode Island. Among the impressive list include Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, and Senator Jack Reed.

Now, as Constituent Services Coordinator for Senator Maggie Hassan, Lantagne says, “I was able to enter my role as a Staff Assistant in Senator Hassan’s office with a working knowledge of my role and what my day-to-day would look like. This experience allowed me to set myself apart at work early on, and I was promoted after less than a year in the office.” Lantagne further stresses the critical role played by her professors in preparing her for success. She says, “I wouldn’t be the person, or the professional, that I am today without the experiences I had and the people I met at URI.” Her network of A&S professors, faculty, fellow students, and mentors provided incredible resources to Lantagne both as a student and after. In reflecting upon the support she received, Lantagne encourages current students to find their team. She says, “The work and energy that you put out will come back to you.”

Allison Lantagne is not sure where her life will bring her, but she knows it is most important that she continues helping people. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have further illuminated the importance of her work. Lantagne’s team ensured that people were able to have their basic needs met, such as unemployment benefits, vaccine access, and housing and food security. “The work that I do now, constituent services, is more valuable than ever,” she concludes, “While 2020 was certainly an unprecedented time to begin a career in public service, it was also a time that underscored just how great the need was for ‘helpers,’ and the experiences I had as a student at URI prepared me to help.”

~ Written by Sabrinna Fogarty, double major in political science and philosophy