Preceded by Jorge Colberg Toro Role Politician Name Piti Gandara | Succeeded by Luce Vela Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila Spouse Anibal Acevedo Vila | |
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Preceded by Sila Maria and Maria Elena Gonzalez Calderon Children 2 (Gabriela, Juan Carlos) Alma mater University of Puerto Rico
University of Florida Education University of Puerto Rico, University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, Boston University | ||
Representante luisa piti g ndara en juntos y revueltos
Luisa "Piti" Gándara Menéndez is a Puerto Rican politician and wife of former Governor of Puerto Rico Aníbal Acevedo Vilá. As Acevedo Vilá's wife, Gándara served as First Lady from 2005 to 2009. In 2013, Gándara was elected by the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) to fill the vacancy left by Jorge Colberg Toro as representative at-large in the 29th House of Representatives.
Contents
- Representante luisa piti g ndara en juntos y revueltos
- David bernier reconoce el trabajo legislativo de piti g ndara
- Early years and studies
- Professional career
- First Lady 2005 2009
- Representative aspirations 2013
- Personal life
- Awards and recognitions
- References
David bernier reconoce el trabajo legislativo de piti g ndara
Early years and studies
Gándara studied first at the University of Puerto Rico, and then completed a Master's degree at the University of Florida.
Professional career
Gándara worked as a high school teacher and as an executive at a multinational information technology firm.
First Lady: 2005-2009
Following the tradition of previous Puerto Rico First Ladies, Gándara refrained from holding a remunerative job while a resident of La Fortaleza. As First Lady, she dedicated much of her attention to educational issues. She developed two reading programs: Lee y Sueña and Rincón de la Lectura. The first managed to donate 60,000 books to children, while the second sparked the creation of 50 reading centers around the island. The programs received national recognition, including an Innovations Award from the Council of State Governments, and an award from the Ibero-American Council in Honor of Educational Quality.
Active in her husband's successful Congressional campaign in 2000 and his campaign for governor in 2004, Gándara was heavily involved in his reelection bid in 2008 and supported him during a federal trial against him.
Representative aspirations: 2013
In March 2013, Gándara presented her candidacy to fill a vacant slot at the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. She was elected during an internal election within the party on March 13, 2013.
Personal life
Gándara and Acevedo Vilá have two children: Gabriela, a Harvard University student, and Juan Carlos, a student at the University of Puerto Rico.
In 2011, Gándara confirmed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.