Sen. Vargas has extensive experience in local and state government. In 2018, she became the first woman of color elected to the Cranston City Council. She served on the council for three terms, representing Ward 1, and most recently served as the council's Vice President. During her tenure, she started the city's first Pride Flag raising; championed accessible playgrounds and safe streets; worked to increase diversity and representation within the city's boards, commissions and Municipal Court; supported the public schools; advocated for environmentally friendly ordinances; and tightened​ the requirements for perpetual care of privately owned cemeteries.

Sen. Vargas currently works as Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. She previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor for Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa, Deputy Secretary of State and Director of Administration for former Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, and Deputy State Treasurer and Director of Unclaimed Property under former General Treasurer Seth Magaziner.

A cancer survivor and daughter of immigrants from Colombia, Sen. Vargas is a lifelong Rhode Islander who grew up in Central Falls. She holds a bachelor's degree in justice studies from Rhode Island College.

Sen. Vargas lives in Cranston, with her husband, an Army Reserve veteran, and their two kids.​