Working for the Ocean State’s Future

For Camille Capraro ‘19, no two days are the same. As Senior Advisor to Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, she wears many hats. Capraro works on a wide range of priorities, from managing special projects and federal-state affairs to overseeing the work of key state agencies. 

“One day might involve bringing agencies together to tackle a pressing issue, while another is spent shaping policy proposals or troubleshooting challenges as they arise,” she says. “At the heart of it, my job is to ensure that the Governor’s priorities are moving forward, that state government works as seamlessly as possible, and that the lives of all Rhode Islanders are more prosperous.”

Capraro came to the Governor’s office in May 2024 after spending nearly three years as an Assistant Public Defender for Rhode Island Public Defender. For her, public service has always been paramount. She says that her parents dedicated their legal careers to representing indigent clients as criminal defense attorneys. Their commitment to helping others instilled in her “the belief that public service is not just a worthwhile venture, but an essential one.”

For Capraro, having that foundation ultimately shaped her career path. She grew up with the core belief that having thoughtful and responsive government can make a true impact on people, improving their lives while drive meaningful change that makes a difference. According to her, this is what ultimately led her to join the Governor’s office.

“Joining the Governor’s Office allowed me to advance that mission from a broader, policy-driven perspective,” she says. “I was drawn to the opportunity to serve in a role where adaptability and the capacity to take on new challenges is valued. Transitioning from the judicial branch to the executive branch enabled me to broaden my expertise, work across a wide range of policy areas, and leverage my flexibility to navigate complex issues within government.”

She says that this position not only builds upon her legal background but also allows her to contribute directly to work that impacts Rhode Islanders every day, which strengthens her role as a versatile advocate for public service.

Capraro says the most enjoyable part of her job is the opportunity of working closely with Governor McKee to advance policies that improve the State of Rhode Island as a whole. She notes that state government is fast-paced, adding that she thrives in that kind of environment. 

“The job is incredibly varied—I’m constantly switching hats and jumping in on whatever issue needs attention that day—and that variety keeps the work exciting and meaningful,” says Capraro.

She says that her career path has shown just how versatile a law degree can be. Capraro added that the skills she developed at RWU—like persuasive communication, strong writing, and the ability to analyze complex issues—have really helped her throughout her career. 

“The tools I gained in law school have equipped me to advocate for clients in the courtroom, guide initiatives in the governor’s office, and navigate challenges that require both legal insight and strategic judgment,” she says. “That foundation has allowed me to approach each role with confidence and to serve the public in meaningful, impactful ways.”

Capraro says that her time at RWU Law was quite transformative. Participating in RWU Law Review and completing a year-long externship with Judge Bruce M. Selya of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit was absolutely essential to refining her persuasive and analytical writing skills. Capraro added that those experiences not only prepared her for her clerkships in the Rhode Island Superior Court’s Business Calendar and later with Justice Goldberg in the Rhode Island Supreme Court, but also strengthened her writing for the long term, enabling her to adapt her style to a wide range of tones and professional settings.

She also says that her at the Public Defender’s Office was equally influential. During that time, she had the privilege of representing some of the most underserved members of the community. 

For her, this was a time that has set her on the track she’s on today.

“That work sharpened my oral advocacy skills and deepened my compassion, as I fought for my clients’ rights and dignity in moments when the stakes could not have been higher,” she says. 

“These experiences grounded me in the human impact of the law and reinforced my commitment to using my skills in service of the public good.”