Nydia Velázquez is a trailblazing Puerto Rican-American politician who has represented New York's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, in 1953, she became the first in her family to graduate high school and went on to earn a B.A. in political science from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, followed by an M.A. from New York University. Velázquez's political career is marked by several historic firsts: she is the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Hispanic woman to serve as both Ranking Member and Chairwoman of a full House committee, specifically the House Small Business Committee. Throughout her tenure, she has been a steadfast advocate for the working class, small businesses, and the Latino community, leveraging her positions to influence policy and promote economic development. Her dedication to public service continues to inspire many, reflecting her commitment to representation and equity.