Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Legacy Exhibit Launch

A celebration of the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen began her storied career as an educator before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1982, becoming the first Hispanic woman elected to the Florida state legislature.

Her passion for education helped her recognize the immense potential of a college degree. She was the original sponsor of Stanley G. Tate’s Florida Prepaid College Program, opening the door for more than one million families to send their children to college in the past 35 years.

Following a historic election to Congress when she became the first Hispanic woman and first Cuban-American elected to Congress, she immediately set out to leave a lasting impact.

A tireless environmental advocate, she worked to preserve Florida’s delicate ecosystem. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen played a key role in cleaning the Miami River, preventing oil drilling off Florida’s coast and helping establish the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary.

Her impact has has been felt by individuals in Florida and around the world. Her relationships across the aisle and the globe have made a difference in protecting human rights across the Americas and the Middle East.