Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Date of Birth: July 15, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: (Leave blank, as she is still alive)

Biography

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is a Cuban-American politician who made history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the United States Congress. Born Ileana Ros on July 15, 1952, in Havana, Cuba, she fled with her family to the United States following the Cuban Revolution. Settling in Miami, Florida, Ros-Lehtinen pursued a career in education and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Florida International University. She later received a Doctorate in Education from the University of Miami. Ros-Lehtinen’s political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where she served from 1982 to 1986. She then moved to the Florida Senate, serving from 1986 to 1989. In 1989, she was elected to represent Florida’s 18th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position she held for nearly three decades until her retirement in 2019. Throughout her tenure in Congress, Ros-Lehtinen was known for her bipartisan approach and her advocacy on issues such as human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and foreign policy, particularly relating to Cuba and Israel. She chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2011 to 2013, making significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy during her leadership.

5 Interesting Facts about Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

1. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was the first Hispanic woman elected to the United States Congress.

2. She was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, earning recognition from various advocacy groups.

3. Ros-Lehtinen played a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy towards Cuba, advocating for democracy and human rights.

4. She was one of the few Republicans who supported the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Defense of Marriage Act.

5. Ros-Lehtinen retired from Congress in 2019, concluding a 30-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

1. “We are a nation of immigrants, and we should welcome those who come here to work hard and contribute to our society.”

2. “Our nation’s greatness is measured by how we treat our most vulnerable citizens, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.”

3. “As a proud American of Cuban descent, I have always fought for the Cuban people’s right to freedom and democracy.”

4. “Bipartisanship is not just a nice idea; it is essential for effective governance.”

5. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of her career, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.

Children

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has two children: Rodrigo Lehtinen and Patricia Marie Ros-Lehtinen. Rodrigo is a transgender rights advocate, and Patricia works in the public health sector.