In today's episode I speak with Rhode Island State Senator Jonathon Acosta. We talk about his path into office and his political voice. We cover the stigma of poverty, social determinants of health, and why he calls himself a public facing academic.

Jonathon Acosta is a Democrat representing District 16 (Central Falls, Pawtucket) in the Rhode Island Senate. 

He attended Brown University where he earned his bachelors degree in Political Science (Theory) and Ethnic Studies, and Master's Degrees in Urban Education Policy and Sociology. He previously worked as a middle school math teacher and wrestling coach in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Central Falls before becoming a school administrator.

In 2015, Sen. Acosta received recognition from the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2016, he received the Latino Public Radio Community Champion Award.