Tell me a bio of Sila María Calderón.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Sila María Calderón is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the first female Governor of Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2005. Born on September 23, 1942, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Calderón is a member of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).

**Early Life and Education**

Calderón earned a degree in education from the University of Puerto Rico and later obtained a master's degree in education from the same institution. She began her career as a teacher and later became involved in politics.

**Career**

Calderón's entry into politics began in the 1970s, when she served as a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. She later became the Secretary of Education under Governor Rafael Hernández Colón and served in this position from 1985 to 1992. In 1993, she became the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, a position she held until 2001.

**Governor of Puerto Rico**

In 2000, Calderón won the gubernatorial election, becoming the first female Governor of Puerto Rico. During her tenure, she focused on education, healthcare, and economic development. Some of her notable achievements include:

1. **Education Reform**: Calderón implemented a comprehensive education reform that aimed to improve the quality of education in Puerto Rico.
2. **Healthcare**: She expanded healthcare services, particularly for low-income families and children.
3. **Economic Development**: Calderón promoted economic development through initiatives such as the creation of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust.

**Impact**

Calderón's impact on Puerto Rico extends beyond her time in office. She paved the way for future generations of women in politics and demonstrated that women can hold high-level positions in government. Her commitment to education, healthcare, and economic development has had a lasting impact on the island.

**Post-Governorship**

After leaving office in 2005, Calderón continued to be involved in politics and public service. She has served as a member of the Puerto Rico Senate and has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice.

**Legacy**

Sila María Calderón's legacy is one of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to public service. She has inspired countless women to pursue careers in politics and has left a lasting impact on the people of Puerto Rico.
Sila María Calderón is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the first female Governor of Puerto Rico from January 2, 2001, to January 2, 2005. Born on September 23, 1942, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Calderón rose to prominence in the Puerto Rican politics as a member of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).

**Early Life and Education**

Calderón was born to Luis Manuel Calderón and Sara María Colón. She received her primary education at Instituto Escuela Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Río Piedras and later attended the University of Puerto Rico, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Services in 1962. In 1964, she obtained a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico.

**Career**

Calderón began her career as a teacher and social worker, eventually entering politics as a member of the PPD. She held various positions in the Puerto Rican government, including Secretary of Housing (1977-1980) and Secretary of Labor and Human Resources (1981-1984).

In 1992, Calderón became the Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, a position she held until 2001. Her tenure as Mayor was marked by several notable achievements, including the cleanup of the city's waterfront, the development of the Old San Juan area, and the reduction of crime rates.

**Governor of Puerto Rico**

On January 2, 2001, Calderón became the first female Governor of Puerto Rico, after serving as Secretary of State from 1999 to 2001 under outgoing Governor Pedro Rosselló. During her term as Governor, she introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and promoting economic development.

**Achievements and Impact**

As Governor, Calderón:

1. Introduced a $5.3 billion economic development package aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.
2. Established a pension reform system to ensure the financial stability of the Puerto Rico Retirement System.
3. Introduced a health insurance reform package to increase access to healthcare for low-income residents.
4. Launched several initiatives aimed at reducing crime rates and improving public safety.

Calderón's term as Governor was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Puerto Rico Housing Department during her tenure as Secretary of Housing. In 2004, she was implicated in a federal investigation into the alleged embezzlement scheme.

**Post-Governorship**

After leaving office in 2005, Calderón remained a prominent figure in Puerto Rican politics. She has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the creation of the Sila María Calderón Scholarship Fund to support low-income students.

Calderón's legacy as the first female Governor of Puerto Rico has had a lasting impact on the island's politics and women's empowerment. Her contributions to social welfare, economic development, and healthcare have helped shape the course of Puerto Rican history.