Velma R. Veloria (born October 22, 1950) is a former politician from Washington. Veloria was the first Filipino American as well as the first Asian American woman to be elected to the Washington State Legislature as a member of Washington House of Representatives. She served from 1993 to 2004.
Velma Veloria | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 11th district | |
| In office January 2003 – January 2004 | |
| Succeeded by | Bob Hasegawa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 22, 1950 Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines |
| Spouse | Alonzo |
| Residence(s) | Seattle, Washington |
| Alma mater | San Francisco State College |
| Occupation | Labor Activist, politician |
Early life
editOn October 22, 1950, Veloria was born in Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. In 1962, Veloria immigrated to the United States.[1][2]
Education
editVeloria earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from San Francisco State College.[2]
Career
editFrom 1970 to 1980, Veloria was a Labor Activist. Veloria worked at Office of Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), IL WU Local 37 (cannery workers), and Service Employees' International Union (SEIU).[3] From 1990 to 1991, Veloria worked as a legislative aide to Art Wang who chaired the Finance Committee.
On November 3, 1992, Veloria won the election. In January 1993, Veloria became the first Asian-American woman and first Filipino American to serve as a member of Washington House of Representatives for District 11, and served until 2004.[1][2]
Awards
edit- 2019 Curriculum and Community Innovation Scholar. First recipient. Faculty award honored at University of Washington.[1]
Personal life
editVeloria's husband is Alonzo Suson. Veloria and her family live in Seattle, Washington.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Velma Veloria joins UW Honors to teach and engage". uw.edu. July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2021.(archive)
- ^ a b c d "Velma Veloria's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
- ^ "Velma Veloria". University of Washington Seattle Civil Rights & Labor Project. Retrieved 24 April 2013.