Felisa Rincón de Gautier

Born

1897-01-09

Died

1994-09-16

Birthplace

Ceiba, Puerto Rico

Biography

Felisa Rincón de Gautier, better know as Doña Fela, was the first woman to hold the office of mayor of an important city in the Western Hemisphere. She served as mayor of San Juan for a period of 22 years, from 1946 to 1968. She was a pioneer in the movement for political rights for women, in establishing daycare programs for preschool children, and in establishing the first legal aid and medical assistance centers for indigents. A leader and role model for Hispanics, she also served as Goodwill Ambassador under four North American presidents. She is one of the most prominent Puerto Rican figures in the political history of our capital city.