Olga Mendez
Former State Sen. Olga Mendez, the first Puerto Rican-born woman in the nation to be elected to a state legislature, died Wednesday. She was 82.
Mendez passed away in her East Harlem apartment after a long battle with cancer.
The pioneering ex-senator represented East Harlem and the South Bronx for 26 years, developing a reputation as one of the city’s most prominent powerbrokers.
“Olga’s election to the state Senate as its first Puerto Rican woman was a tremendous symbol of hope for a community that now had a seat at the table,” Mayor Bloomberg said.
“Olga’s life was an inspiration to countless others, because the doors she bravely pushed opened stayed open for everyone else.”
Elected to the Senate in 1978, Mendez is credited with paving the way for the slew of Puerto Rican politicos to follow her.
“She opened doors for all who came after her, myself included,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “She was a tireless advocate for the concerns of her constituents, and she will be sorely missed.”
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