Nydia Velázquez was born March 28, 1953 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Political Science. She attended N.Y.U. on a scholarship and earned a Master’s degree. Congresswoman Velázquez then taught Puerto Rican studies at Hunter College. In 1984, she became the first Latina appointed to serve as a member of the New York City Council.

Nydia Velazquez was elected to Congress in 1992 and currently serves as Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee.