Jorge Elorza did not get into URI on his first try. But rejection from the University’s Talent Development Program motivated this future lawyer, law professor, housing court judge, and now mayor of Providence to get his act together, go to the Community College of Rhode Island, and re-apply to URI.

Elorza is a true believer in the value of failing. “We limit ourselves by being afraid to fail,” he says. “Failing positions you to be more successful.”

So, the second time around, Talent Development accepted Elorza into a supportive, close-knit community that, he says, changed his life and fueled his passion for giving back. “I have tried to open doors for others as they opened doors for me,” he says.

At URI, Elorza not only proved to be a standout in the classroom (he majored in accounting and graduated at the top of his class), but also a mentor and a tutor to fellow Talent Development students. Along the way, he became president of the Latino American Student Association, demonstrating his leadership chops early on. And while accounting as a career did not prove to be a good fit, Elorza believes it has helped him in every job he’s ever had.

As he launches into his first term as mayor, he is excited about making a difference and helping Providence reach its potential. “We have it within ourselves to turn things around and create opportunities. But we have to be willing to push ourselves, to learn from our mistakes. That is what will set us up for success.”