Marcela Betancur grew up in Colombia and immigrated to the United States at age 12, moving to Central Falls. After graduating from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Public Administration, Marcela’s professional work focused in affordable housing for Rhode Island’s low income, immigrant, and young families for nearly six years. In 2014 Marcela became a New Leaders Council Fellow and later went on to serve as the Director of the Rhode Island Chapter until 2018 after transitioning to the National organization’s board.

Marcela served as the Policy Associate for the American Civil Liberties of Rhode Island in 2017. In this role, she served as a lead lobbyist in the Rhode Island State Legislature. Additionally, she worked with local and statewide organizations to ensure that policies, laws, and regulations proposed or enacted protected civil and human rights for all Rhode Islanders. In 2018, Marcela began working as a freelance policy and program adviser for organizations such as the Central Falls School District, the Providence Housing Authority, and the Economic Progress Institute of Rhode Island.