March is Women’s History Month – an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of women in our nation. 100 years ago, the 19th amendment to our constitution was ratified giving women the right to vote.
Today, Latinas are at the forefront of business, politics and entertainment in the United States. We must celebrate these historic milestones making our Latino community stronger and better equipped to confront the future.
Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor is the highest ranking Latina or Latino in political life; J-Lo and Shakira took the world by surprise with the most viewed NFL half-time show in history; and, Dolores Huerta is an icon for workers’ rights, immigrants’ rights and women’s rights. All these are names highly recognized in American households. However, I would like to also recognize Pennsylvania Latina icons during this Women’s History Month:
- Lillian Escobar Haskins – first Latina ever to run for the Pennsylvania General Assembly
- Nancy Matos, first Latina elected Magisterial District Judge in Pennsylvania from Bethlehem
- Olga Negrón – first Latina ever elected to Bethlehem City Council
- Maria Quiñones Sanchez – first Latina ever elected to Philadelphia City Council
- Cynthia Mota – first Latina ever elected to Allentown City Council
- Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Reading City Councilwoman
- Melissa Ventura, Reading City Councilwoman
- Maria Rodríguez, Reading City Auditor
- Janet Díaz, Lancaster City Councilwoman
- Mildred Tavarez, West York Borough Councilwoman
- Dr. Damary Bonilla, East Stroudsburg School Board Director
- Salina Almanzar, Lancaster School Board Director
- Kareena Ríos, Lancaster School Board Director
Latinas in Pennsylvania are growing in numbers and influence. They are a force for unity and empowerment. FELICIDADES MUJER LATINA EN EL MES DE LA HISTORIA DE LA MUJER.
Norman Bristol
