Lydia Méndez Silva
Lydia Méndez Silva | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the 21st District | |
| Assumed office January 2, 1997 | |
| Preceded by | Presby Santiago |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 11 San Germán, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Popular Democratic Party (PPD) |
| Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez |
Lydia Méndez Silva is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). She has been a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives since 1997 representing District 21.
Early years and studies
[edit]Lydia R. Méndez Silva was born on January 11 in San Germán. She began studying in José C. Barbosa Elementary School in Sabana Grande, and continued in José A. Castillo Junior High School and Luis Muñoz Rivera High School, where she graduated.[1]
In 1972, Méndez began studying Practical Nursing at the Rodriguez Army Health Clinic at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Méndez received her degree in Nursing from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
Professional career and public service
[edit]While studying, Méndez worked at the University Hospital of Centro Médico in San Juan. After graduating, she went on to work at the Dr. Tito Mattei Hospital in Yauco, specifically in the Intensive care unit. In 1985, she worked for the Corporation of Social Action of Puerto Rico as an Assistant Worker of Isolated Communities.
In 1989, Méndez began working in Sabana Grande as Community Coordinator during the tenure of Mayor Angel A. Figueroa Ramírez. In 1993, she began working as Special Aide of Mayor Miguel Ortiz Vélez until 1996.
Political career
[edit]Méndez began her political career as a voting college volunteer. She then served as Secretary of the PPD Committee in Barrio Rayo Guaras, Sabana Grande. She was also a delegate of the PPD Youth and a member of the RHC Youth in 1976.
Méndez was first elected to the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico in 1996.[2] After being sworn in, she was appointed as her party speaker in the Commissions of Tourism, Women Affairs, and Socioeconomic Development.
Méndez was reelected at the 2000 general election,[3] and became President of the Commission of Social Welfare in the House, as well as Vice-president of the Commissions of Health and Women Affairs. She also served as member of the Commissions of South Region, Tourism, Housing, and Internal Affairs, among others.
Méndez has been reelected five more times (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020).
Lydia Méndez Silva announced she will not seek re-election after 28 years at the 21st district for the 2024 elections.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Biografía - Hon. Lydia Méndez Silva". Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved 2021-01-10.
- ^ "Elecciones Generales 1996: Representante por el Distrito 21". CEEPUR. Archived from the original on 2021-01-10. Retrieved 2013-01-02.
- ^ "Elecciones Generales 2000: Representante por el Distrito 21". CEEPUR. December 19, 2000. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
- ^ "Lydia Méndez Silva anuncia que no buscará la reelección por el Distrito 21". 14 November 2023.
External links
[edit]- Living people
- Popular Democratic Party members of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
- People from San Germán, Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican women in politics
- 20th-century American women politicians
- 21st-century American women politicians
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez people
- 20th-century Puerto Rican politicians
- 21st-century members of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico