Lydia Méndez Silva

Early years and studies

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.

In 1972, Méndez began studying Practical Nursing at the Rodriguez Army Health Clinic at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. She also studied Tourism and Drawing. Méndez received her degree in Nursing from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.

Professional career and public service

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 G. Ortíz Vélez until 1996.

Political career

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. 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, 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 three more times (2004, 2008, 2012).