Hilda Solis: Celebrating Another Birthday With Success

Reasons For Mexillence:

Hilda Solis

1. Overcame her underprivileged background to pursue education.


2. Serves as the current United States Secretary of Labor under the Obama Administration.


3. Served in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009.


Today, Hilda Solis celebrates her 53rd birthday! Solis has various reasons to celebrate. Even though she is now considered a well-established politician, Solis overcame obstacles from an early age.

Background:

Hilda Solis

Solis is the daughter of immigrant parents that met in the citizenship class. As the third oldest from seven siblings, Solis helped raise her siblings. When she was near her high school graduation she was discouraged by a guidance counselor from pursuing her education. However, Solis persevered and graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1979 with a B.A. in political science and later graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Public Administration.


Early Career:

Hilda Solis

While finishing her education, Solis interned and worked briefly under the Carter Administration and Reagan Administration in Washington D.C. After returning to California in 1982, Solis became the director of the California Student Opportunity and Access Program and helped disadvantaged youth gain necessary preparation for college.


In 1985, Solis became a member for the Board of Trustees of the Rio Hondo Community College District. As a board member, Solis worked towards improved vocational job training at the college and sought to increase the number of tenured faculty positions held by minorities and women.


Political Career: 


In 1991 Solis was nominated as a commissioner of the Los Angeles County Commission on Insurance by Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, a political mentor. Solis also served as chief of staff for State Senator Art Torres.


After gaining political experience, Solis was elected and served as member of the California State Assembly from the 57th district from 1992 to 1994. Then, Solis was elected to the California Senate from the 24th district from 1994 to 2001. Finally, Solis  was elected and served as a member of the United States House of Representatives until she was nominated by President Obama to serve as the United States Secretary of Labor.