Velma Veloria

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Velma Veloria
Member of the Washington House of Representatives
from the 11th district
In office
January 2003 – January 2004
Succeeded byBob Hasegawa
Personal details
Born (1950-10-22) October 22, 1950 (age 73)
Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines
SpouseAlonzo
Residence(s)Seattle, Washington
Alma materSan Francisco State College
OccupationLabor Activist, politician

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.

Early life[edit]

On October 22, 1950, Veloria was born in Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines. In 1962, Veloria immigrated to the United States.[1][2]

Education[edit]

Veloria earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from San Francisco State College.[2]

Career[edit]

From 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]

Personal life[edit]

Veloria's husband is Alonzo Suson. Veloria and her family live in Seattle, Washington.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Velma Veloria joins UW Honors to teach and engage". uw.edu. July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2021.(archive)
  2. ^ a b c d "Velma Veloria's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  3. ^ "Velma Veloria". University of Washington Seattle Civil Rights & Labor Project. Retrieved 24 April 2013.