Dante DiGregorio Builds Political Career in Rhode Island

As a political science major and president of Student Community Government, Inc. (SCG) at Rhode Island College, Dante DiGregorio ’26 is taking his passion for public service beyond college. He completed an internship in Washington, D.C., testified before the Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee on behalf of the Hope Scholarship and is already building a network in local and state politics.

This 22-year-old native of Smithfield didn’t begin his path to politics with certainty, but with searching.

“I changed my major three times. I started in health sciences, later psychology, then graphic design,” he says. 

That uncertainty changed after watching “13th,” a documentary about mass incarceration. 

“The film reshaped my perspective of the world,” he says. “It made me want to be part of something bigger.”

DiGregorio’s early college experience was also marked by limited involvement and academic struggles. 

“In my first two years, I didn’t really have friends, my GPA was low and I wasn’t involved in anything. I didn’t know what I wanted to do.” 

Then he joined the orientation program, and his involvement accelerated. 

“Miguel Hoyos, lead orientation leader at the time, helped me join the orientation team,” he says. “There I met Matthew Jacques, president of SCG, who offered me the position of chief of staff.”

From there, DiGregorio built relationships and eventually became president of SCG, where he focused on encouraging student engagement and advancing issues that affect the campus community.

“The most rewarding thing for me has been seeing our SCG members get involved and pursue real political change, whether on campus or at the State House,” he says.

For DiGregorio, his role as president of SCG has served as a platform for collective action, leading to one of his most significant accomplishments: testifying before the Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee. Despite his public speaking experience, he describes standing before a room of State House officials as both intimidating and formative. He approached his testimony with a clear strategy, choosing to focus on personal experience rather than policy data.

“It was intense. Lawmakers hear facts and data all day. What makes a difference is hearing from someone who’s actually affected,” he says. “During college, I struggled financially. I worked multiple jobs to pay for my car, insurance, phone and tuition. There were times I seriously questioned if I would be able to stay in college. The Hope Scholarship is the reason why I’m able to do everything I do now, especially have an impact on the community.” 

His experience at the State House has already opened doors beyond campus. DiGregorio is now exploring a run for the Smithfield Town Council and collaborating with local political leaders on initiatives such as a mayoral campaign and bringing awareness around legislation related to the Hope Scholarship and campus infrastructure projects.

“Thanks to my experiences in SCG and at the State House, my network has just increased tenfold,” he says. “I’m actually contributing to real-world change.”

According to DiGregorio, his academic involvement at Rhode Island College has played a critical role in shaping his trajectory. He praises the faculty in the Political Science Department for their guidance and access to professional opportunities. 

“Thanks to Dr. Perri Leviss, I got to participate in the Washington Week internship, sit in on hearings and see how decisions are made at the federal level. I even got to see high-level ranking officials,” he says. “It was something I never would have experienced otherwise. 

“Professors like Natalie Rogol have been able to provide more than just knowledge that extends beyond the class, and Professor Thomas Schmeling has the most engaging lectures – they were my favorite classes. And all of my professors have given me career advice and helped me build a future.” 

As graduation approaches, DiGregorio is focused on continuing his work in public service. His long-term goals include attending law school and pursuing elected office at the state level. 

“I’d like to run for the state legislature and maybe even for governor someday,” he says. “There’s a gap in who we see in office. We need more young people involved.”

Reflecting on his journey, DiGregorio values the well-rounded experience he has gained, from struggling as a student to eventually finding himself on the other side of that challenge. He encourages others to get involved at their own pace.

“Start early if you can, but don’t feel pressured to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” he says. “Once the time comes, you will make it to where you’re supposed to be.”