Breaking Barriers in Local Government: History-Making Latina Leaders

Latina leaders are breaking barriers in local government, making history as the first Latinas to serve in their roles, impacting their communities, and paving the way for more Latinas to step into positions of power. These remarkable women are not only contributing to their communities but also inspiring others to follow their trajectories. In this article, we spotlight seven extraordinary Latina leaders who have made significant strides in government leadership positions, celebrating their achievements and their positive impact on their respective communities.?

Alejandra Sotelo-Solis HOPE Leadership Institute' 11- First Elected Latina Mayor of National City in San Diego.??

Alejandra Sotelo-Solis became the first Latina to serve as mayor of San Diego's National City in 2018, where about 60% of the city's residents are Latino and where her family has lived for three generations. She has devoted her career to public service, knowing early on that she wanted to make a difference through community organizing and advocacy. She became a city commissioner at age 18, studied political science at UC San Diego, and worked up to the mayorship, staying involved in the community throughout her journey. She now serves as the CEO of La Pluma Strategies (La Pluma), which was "launched in Spring of 2017 to provide consultation services in fundraising, strategic planning, advocacy, and systems change to non-profit, governmental, and business entities."

Maria Medina Binational Fellow '19- First Latina Mayor in Minnesota.?

Maria Medina shattered barriers by becoming Minnesota's first Latina mayor and the city of Richfield's youngest mayor, inspiring other young Latinas in Minnesota and across the nation to lead. With a background in health equity, she championed programs aimed at making Richfield more equitable and accessible. She is the director of equity initiatives at M Health Fairview, focusing on serving her community. In an interview, she shared, "I felt like it was essential to be able to bring to the table leadership that could hold and welcome that diversity and really build up a city."

Esmeralda Soria?HOPE Leadership Institute' 13- First Latina Council President in Fresno?

Esmeralda, a daughter of immigrant farm workers from Michoacan, became the first Latina Council member in the city of Fresno in 2018. Growing up, Soria took part in agricultural labor with her parents in the Central Valley. This inspired her to serve her community, and she pursued her law degree at the University of California, Davis School of Law. In 2014, she became the first Latina Councilmember to serve the city of Fresno and was soon selected to be Council President. As a councilmember, Soria spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, fostering community development, generating a substantial number of well-compensated employment opportunities, constructing affordable and easily reachable housing units, addressing the issue of homelessness, and augmenting the availability of parks and green spaces. In 2022, she was elected to the California State Assembly, where she continues to lead today. ?

Gaby Plascencia?HOPE Leadership Institute' 13- First Latina to Be Elected to the City Council of Riverside?

Gaby has the distinction of being the first Latina to serve on the City Council of Riverside in 2019. In an interview, she stated she "recognized of the significant influence policy decisions have on communities of color." Her professional career has centered on community service, notably as a school counselor, where she has guided young people, assisting them in pursuing opportunities in higher education and careers and ultimately contributing to the local community's prosperity. Gaby was a school counselor when she attended the HOPE Leadership Insitute and stated that the program "empowered and encouraged" her and continues to do so. ?

Gloria Molina- First Chicana Elected to the California State Assembly?

Gloria Molina was a prominent American politician and activist; many firsts marked her career. In 1982 she was the first Chicana elected to the California State Assembly. Molina held a position in the California State Assembly until the year 1987, at which point she was successfully elected to the Los Angeles City Council. Molina exhibited a strong inclination towards advocating for the interests of the working-class population residing in East Los Angeles. She played a pivotal role in establishing LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Throughout her extensive career, she has been a prominent figure in California politics, advocating for crucial issues, such as women's rights, healthcare, and social services. She has left a lasting impact since passing away on May 14, 2023.?

Mary Zendejas- First Latina Wheelchair User to Be Elected to Office in the Nation?

After winning her election in the city of Long Beach, Mary Zendejas took office on November 5, 2019. She is the first Latina national elected official who uses a wheelchair. She used a wheelchair daily in high school after being diagnosed with Polio as an infant. Her observation of her parents, who worked as field hands and factory workers to improve their children's quality of life, shaped her passion for personal and professional success. Mary attended California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and became her family's first college graduate. During this time, she organized citizenship fairs to help community members achieve US citizenship and live the American Dream.??

Nora Vargas?HOPE Leadership Institute' 13- First Latina, First Woman of Color, First Immigrant, and First Fronteriza Elected to Serve as Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors?

Nora E. Vargas became San Diego County's First Supervisorial District representative on January 4, 2021. First-generation immigrant Supervisor Vargas is San Diego's first Latina, binational, and woman-of-color County Supervisor in nearly 200 years. On January 10, 2023, she was unanimously elected Board of Supervisors Chairwoman after two terms as Vice-Chair. Chairwoman Vargas has used civic engagement, public policy, and community organizing for over two decades to empower underserved communities. She is on the HOPE Advisory Board and a NALEO Board member.?

These local government Latina leaders have achieved historical milestones and served as catalysts for transformative change and advancement within their respective communities. The unwavering dedication, remarkable resilience, and commitment these individuals demonstrate in their service to their constituents highlight the significance of incorporating diverse voices and perspectives in leadership positions. As we recognize their accomplishments, we must persist in providing support and empowerment to a more significant number of individuals hailing from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their pursuit of careers in local government. By doing so, we can ensure that our political sphere becomes increasingly representative of the multifaceted diversity inherent within our society.?

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This information is posted for educational purposes only. As a 501(c)(3) organization, HOPE is nonpartisan and does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office or participate in elections for or against any specific candidates in specific races. A candidate's gender and ethnicity are only two of many factors voters may consider in deciding how to vote. ?

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