Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana (1952–)
Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana (1952–)
American politician. Born Ileana Ros in Havana, Cuba, July 15, 1952; Miami-Dade Community College, AA, 1972; Florida International University, BA, 1975, MS, 1987; married Dexter Lehtinen (lawyer); children: Amanda, Patricia.
The 1st Cuban-American elected to US Congress (1989) and the first Hispanic woman to chair a Congressional subcommittee, fled Cuba with family when she was 7; became a teacher, later founding and becoming the 1st administrator of a private elementary school called Eastern Academy; a Republican, began political career in Florida House of Representatives (1982); elected to Florida State Senate (1986); defeated 10 opponents in a special election for US House of Representatives (August 29, 1989); won reelection numerous times, representing a large Cuban-American population in Florida's 18th Congressional District; initially assigned to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Government Operations, assumed further responsibilities on the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight; known as a defender of international human rights and democracy, was selected as a member of the Committee on International Relations and served as chair of the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade, the first Hispanic woman to achieve such a post.