Calderón, Sila << SEE lah >> María (1942-…), served as governor of Puerto Rico, an island commonwealth of the United States, from 2001 to 2005. She was the island’s first woman governor.
Calderón was born on Sept. 23, 1942, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Manhattanville College, in Purchase, New York, in 1964. In 1972, Calderón completed work on a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Puerto Rico.
Calderón began her political career soon after graduation. From 1973 to 1975, she was a special aide for economic development to Governor Rafael Hernández Colón. Calderón then pursued a successful career in the private business sector, returning to politics in the 1980’s. In 1985, she became chief of staff for Governor Hernández Colón. In 1988, Calderón also was appointed secretary of state of Puerto Rico.
In 1990, Calderón returned to the private business sector. From 1992 to 1995, she also worked with the Cantera Peninsula project. The project aimed to revitalize the poverty-stricken community of Cantera, in San Juan. In November 1996, Calderón was elected to a four-year term as mayor of San Juan. In November 2000, she ran successfully for governor of Puerto Rico. She was the candidate of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). The PPD supports Puerto Rico’s continued status as a commonwealth of the United States.
Calderón did not seek reelection as governor in 2004. Following the end of her term in 2005, she established the Foundation Sila M. Calderón, Inc. The foundation is a private nonprofit charity organization. It works to bring attention to issues of poverty, the role of women in society, urban revitalization, ethical values, and social responsibility. The foundation builds on Calderón’s earlier work with the Cantera Peninsula Project.
See also Puerto Rico.
