Sonia Silva

Sonia Silva (born 1950), born and raised in Chicago, earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in public policy and urban planning. Having worked as a social worker and where she made a difference in the lives of children, she pivoted and entered politics. Elected in 1996, Silva was the first Latina elected to the Illinois House of Representatives where she made a difference in the lives of residents of Illinois First District.

Why this stop? Silva advocated for the Latino community not just in her district but for Latinos in neighboring districts of Chicago’s Southwest Side, including those living near the Orange Line 35th/Archer station.