EssayICS17MaroM

**Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: A Hispanic Politician Who Made a Difference**

From 1783 when the thirteen colonies established independence to 2017, America has been and continues to be an amazing, diverse nation of equality, freedom, security, and prosperity. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has not only contributed immensely to the United States, but has made history as the first Hispanic woman to become a congresswoman in the U.S (“15 Most Powerful”). She said, "It's a special place, and I believe in the prominence of America, and having America be and continue to be an exceptional place, and making no apologies for America being a superpower."

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was born on July 15, 1952 in Havana, Cuba. When she was just eight years old, her family immigrated to Miami, Florida in the United States, fleeing the brutal rule of Fidel Castro. These actions followed the footsteps of her grandfather, who fled Cuba and came to the U.S due to economic collapse and devastation in 1913. Ileana then attended Southside Elementary school in Little Havana, West Miami Junior High, and Southwest High School. Ros-Lehtinen received her Bachelors in education at Florida International University in Miami. To further her knowledge, she attended the University of Miami and obtained a doctoral degree in higher education. Ileana then became a teacher and owner of a private bilingual school in Miami-Dade County. Ileana was principal at the school she founded, Eastern Academy, for ten years. Ileana's belief that education is what fuels success for future generations is what has prompted her to be so involved in education. Ros-Lehtinen’s stance on education has many components. These include recognition of the challenges in education for special needs children, the desire of affordable education from parents, and also the wish of choice in schooling. “I was inspired to enter public service by many of the parents and students; to fight on their behalf for a stronger educational system, lower taxes, and a brighter economic future.” (“ Ileana Ros-Lehtinen”)

Ros-Lehtinen began in politics in January of 1983. She was elected into the 110th district of the Florida House of Representatives and served in that position until January of 1987. Ileana was the first Cuban American elected to the United States Congress and the first Republican woman elected from Florida. During that time, Ileana met her husband, Dexter Lehtinen, and married him on June 9, 1984. Dexter Lehtinen was also serving as a representative at that time. Ileana’s next political step was being elected into the Florida Senate in the 34th district. She was a member of the Senate from 1987 to 1990. At the end of her first term in 1990, Ileana won re-election with 60% of the vote and continued to serve for 10 full terms, never receiving less than 58% of the popular vote. (“ Ileana Ros-Lehtinen”)

In 2007, Ros-Lehtinen visited Sudanese refugee camps. In south Sudan, environmental changes, especially desertification had contributed to the violence and famine taking place there (“refugees”). Witnessing enough atrocities and violations of human rights, she then took a stance to encourage the United States to find a solution to this humanitarian crisis. This crisis is something that Ileana felt very strongly about and was one that was taken seriously because of her efforts. Next, Ileana became a chair member of The House Foreign Affairs Committee. She started this position in 2011 and continued until 2013. (“ Ileana Ros-Lehtinen”) All of these positions and every decision made over 30 plus years by the government, including Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, has in one way or another contributed to this exceptional nation of ours. Ileana has accomplished many things for the U.S and all of its citizens. These accomplishments include the Florida Pre Paid College Program, which Ileana sponsored while in state legislature. This program is now the largest pre-paid program in the whole nation and has helped more than one million families give their children the education to succeed. She has also helped to improve our nation’s military veterans’ living situations and health care, and produced access to college education for them. Also, Ileana led a fight in the House of Representatives to enforce penalties among human rights violators in the Venezuela area. She serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to safeguard the U.S and identify any threats. Aside from Ileana’s many views and experiences in the political range of things, she also has a large family. Ros-Lehtinen has four children, now adults, whom she is a mother and step-mother to. Additionally, she has four grandchildren and still continues to live in Miami, Florida. (“Ros-Lehtinen”)

One Hispanic woman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, has dedicated her entire life to the United States through her accomplishments, roles, perseverance, and contributions. As a Hispanic and a part of the largest minority in the Nation, Ileana has helped to garner and drive support from Hispanic people and their initiatives they deemed important. She was an excellent representative for Hispanic people. The United States is a better place to live in, not only for Hispanic Americans but all Americans, thanks to Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

**Works Cited:** "15 Most Powerful Latinas." Latino Leaders. Jorge Ferraez, n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2017. < []>. "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, 2001. Web. 25 Apr. 2017. < []>. "Ileana Ros-Lehtinen." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Apr. 2017. Web. 25 Apr. 2017. < []>. "Refugees of Sudan." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Apr. 2017. Web. 25 Apr. 2017. < []<span style="color: #000000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">>. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana. "Biography." Welcome to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2017. < []<span style="color: #000000; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">>.
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