Celebrating the Achievements of Three Inspirational Latinas in Politics
In history, the contributions and achievements of people of color, especially women of color, have often been relegated to the shadows. Their stories of resilience, determination, and success deserve to be brought to the forefront. In this article, we shine a spotlight on three inspirational Latinas in politics who have left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys from humble beginnings to positions of influence are not only remarkable but also a testament to the power of perseverance.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: A Trailblazer in the Making
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, affectionately known as AOC, is a name that resonates with millions of Americans. Born in the Bronx in 1989 to Puerto Rican parents, she grew up in one of New York’s poorest boroughs. Yet, her underprivileged zip code did not define her destiny. AOC’s story is one of determination and ambition, evident from an early age.
During high school, AOC was a part of the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session and even won second place at the 2007 Intel Science and Engineering Fair. Her pursuit of education led her to Boston University, where she double-majored in international relations and economics. But the financial struggles her family faced compelled her to take on waitressing and bartending jobs in her early twenties to support her family and pay off student loans.
Her Political Debut
AOC’s involvement in politics during the 2016 presidential election, volunteering for Bernie Sanders, marked her entry into the political arena. AOC’s meteoric rise to fame came on June 26, 2018, when she defeated a 10-term incumbent, Joe Crowley, during the 2018 midterm elections, making her the youngest-ever congresswoman at the age of 29.
Her legislative achievements are equally remarkable. AOC’s first action as a Democratic representative for New York’s 14th district was the Green New Deal resolution, a visionary plan for a 10-year national mobilization to tackle pressing issues, including climate change and economic inequality. She introduced 22 more pieces of legislation, including the Loan Shark Prevention Act, aimed at capping credit card interest rates at 15%. Even in the face of a Republican-controlled Senate and Presidency in 2019, AOC made her presence felt through her effective questioning in committee hearings and the passage of three amendments into law. AOC is arguably one of the most iconic and inspirational Latinas in American politics today.
Sonia Sotomayor: Breaking Barriers on the Supreme Court
Sonia Sotomayor’s journey to the highest court in the land is a testament to her unwavering determination. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor faced adversity early in life when her father passed away. Yet, her dream of becoming an attorney fueled her dedication to academics.
In 1972, Sotomayor graduated as the valedictorian of Cardinal Spellman High School, setting the stage for her future achievements. She pursued her education at Princeton University, where she was involved in Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican activist group. Her commitment to education culminated in a bachelor’s degree in history.
Her legal journey continued at Yale Law School. Here, she gained valuable experience as an assistant district attorney under the famous Manhattan attorney Robert Morgenthau. Sotomayor’s legal career saw her handling diverse cases, including the notable Tarzan murder case. She later joined the New York law firm of Pavia and Harcourt, focusing on business, corporate, and property rights matters.
In 1992, Sotomayor was appointed as a district court judge, primarily handling non-controversial cases. Six years later, she ascended to the position of Court of Appeals Judge. She presided over thousands of cases and authored numerous majority opinions. Her journey culminated in her historic appointment as the first Hispanic, Latina, and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. This was a momentous occasion that was celebrated by Hispanics across America and working-class individuals from the Bronx.
Aida Álvarez: Pioneering Leadership in the Presidential Cabinet
Aida Álvarez’s remarkable career is a testament to her commitment to affecting positive change. Álvarez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York. Her journey to the pinnacle of leadership began with her education and a determination to make a difference.
Her high school years saw her as a part of the ASPIRA program. This program was a non-profit focused on empowering the Latino community through youth development and advocacy. After graduating, Álvarez pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her career initially led her to journalism, where she worked for the New York Post. Later, she became a successful news anchor, earning accolades like the Emmy Award, Front Page Award, and Associate Press Award.
However, Álvarez’s path took a significant turn when she transitioned to investment banking. Her remarkable success in this field set the stage for her continued achievement. Next came her historic appointment in 1997 as the first Hispanic and Latina to serve in the United States Presidential cabinet. In this role, she oversaw the Small Business Administration. During her tenure, she presided over record levels of guaranteed loans and venture capital financing. She championed lending to women and minority-owned small businesses.
Today, Álvarez continues to be a trailblazer. She serves on the boards of major businesses and organizations, including HP Inc., Zoosk, Oportun Financial Corporation, the Latino Community Foundation, and the San Francisco Symphony.
A Lasting Legacy: Echoes of the Extraordinary Journey
The stories of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sonia Sotomayor, and Aida Álvarez are not just tales of individual achievement but also symbols of the resilience and determination of women of color. Their journeys serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Their contributions to society are a testament to the power of breaking barriers and forging a path to success, no matter the obstacles. These inspirational Latinas in politics deserve to be celebrated. Further, they should be remembered in the pages of history for their significant impact on the world.
