Sila María Calderón

Sila María Calderón Serra (born September 23, 1942) was the seventh Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2005. She is the only woman ever elected to that office. Prior to being Governor, Calderón held various positions in the Government of Puerto Rico, including Secretary of State and Chief of Staff. She was also Mayor of San Juan, the Capital of Puerto Rico.

Quotes

 * I have never felt like a second-class citizen. I consider myself a U.S. citizen. I appreciate and treasure my U.S. citizenship. I would never renounce or consider losing that citizenship. I want my children and their children to always have it.
 * Interview with Caribbean Business (December 3, 1998)


 * The people from Puerto Rico already decided they want to be permanently linked to the United States. There's nothing else to be said about that matter.
 * Interview with Caribbean Business (December 3, 1998)


 * ...Puerto Ricans treasure their citizenship and are faithful to democratic principles, but “We are, above everything, Puerto Ricans first and foremost."
 * On Women's eNews