Latina Leaders in Government and Law

Written By: Vanessa Flores, MBA ?

In recent years, the realms of government and law have undergone remarkable changes due to the dedication and brilliance of Latina leaders who have broken glass ceilings and advanced justice, equity, and representation. In this article, we highlight the achievements of five exceptional Latina leaders who have excelled in government and the legal field, making significant strides in their respective positions.?

Ana M. Lasso First Latina to Be Appointed as The Director of The California Department of General Services?HOPE Leadership Institute Class Of 2004

On March 19, 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Ana M. Lasso as Director of the Department of General Services, becoming the first Latina to serve in this important role. As Director of DGS, she oversees a department with over 3,500 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion, which provides procurement, real estate administration, transportation, and school construction services to state agencies.? Previously, Director Lasso served as the General Manager of Exposition Park under Governor Jerry Brown and?managed the Joint Use Development Program for the Los Angeles Unified School District.??

Marisa Bono First Latina to Argue a School Funding Case in The Texas Supreme Court HOPE Binational Fellow 2019?

Marisa Bono is an accomplished attorney and currently serves as Executive Director of the?Austin-based nonprofit Every Texan where she?focuses on advocating for policies that will enable Texans of all backgrounds to thrive. She previously worked at VIA Metropolitan Transit, playing a crucial role in expanding VIA's services for low-income passengers and as San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg's Chief of Policy. Bono has a foundation in civil rights law, specializing in the rights of immigrants and education. She has tried cases involving school funding in multiple states and made substantial contributions to this discipline. Marisa Bono is also actively involved in numerous San Antonio committees and civic organizations.?

Susana Mendoza First Hispanic Independently Elected to Statewide Office in Illinois HOPE Binational Fellow 2019?

Following her historic victory in 2011 as the first woman to be elected to the position of City Clerk in Chicago, Susana Mendoza was elected Illinois State Comptroller, becoming the first Hispanic to be elected to a statewide post in the state of Illinois. Before her election as Comptroller, she was the youngest member to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. She served for six terms in the House, during which time she represented the southwest side of Chicago, which includes Little Village, the neighborhood in which she was born. As Comptroller, Mendoza wields significant influence managing the statewide accounting system,?providing internal controls for state agencies, and working to ensure proper use of state funds.?

Nathalie Rayes Created and Directed Los Angeles’s First-ever Office of Immigrant Affairs HOPE Leadership Institute Class Of 2001?

President and CEO of Latino Victory Nathalie Rayes is a true champion of Latine political empowerment. Rayes’ journey includes creating LA's first-ever Office of Immigrant Affairs during her time working as deputy chief of staff for Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn. Rayes had a leading influential role in organizations such as Grupo Salinas and Fundación Azteca America. She was recently nominated by President Biden as Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, marking a historic moment as the first Latina to assume an ambassadorship in Croatia if confirmed.??

Wendy Avila First Latina Judge of The Superior Court of Kern County in California HOPE Leadership Institute Class Of 2001?

Judge Wendy Avila is the first Latina Judge of The Superior Court of Kern County. Avila, a first-generation college student, said her mother encouraged her to follow her aspirations. Her more than 18 years as a deputy district attorney included impactful achievements like creating the first truancy reduction program in honor of her brother. Governor Gavin Newsom named her to serve on the Superior Court of Kern County, becoming Kern County’s first Latina superior court judge in 2020. Avila wants to see more Latina women on the Kern County court, and since her appointment, two more Latinas have joined the court, serving as an inspiration for young women looking to pursue a career in the justice system.?

The accomplishments of these five extraordinary Latina leaders in government and law show the importance of diverse perspectives in institutions and systems that make crucial decisions affecting our communities. They have not only broken down barriers but also made significant contributions to the advancement of justice and the prosperity of their respective communities. Let us continue to support and empower leaders of all backgrounds to promote positive change and create a more inclusive and equitable society as we celebrate their accomplishments.?

In the spirit of celebrating the achievements of these remarkable Latina leaders, we also want to remind our readers of the power they hold as voters. Your voice and your vote are essential in shaping the future of your community, state, and nation. If you're not registered to vote, we encourage you to take the first step in making a difference. To check your registration status and register to vote, visit https://vote.gov/. Remember that every vote counts and your participation in the democratic process is a crucial way to ensure that the progress started by inspiring leaders continues onward.?