Beatriz Areizaga

Beatriz Isabel Areizaga Garcia (born January 4, 1985) —better known as Beatriz Rosselló— is the wife of Governor-elect of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rosselló. She will assume the role of First Lady of Puerto Rico on January 2, 2017.

Beatriz Rosselló is a young professional and social advocate married to the Governor-Elect of Puerto Rico, Dr. Ricardo Rosselló. Together, they have a beautiful two year old daughter, named Claudia Beatriz. From a very young age, she showed great interest and passion for social issues. Beatriz attended part of her secondary studies in the Julián Blanco School, specialized in Ballet where she demonstrated great passion for the arts, and developed initiatives to help people in need. From a very early age, she became interested in various social, cultural, and entrepreneurial efforts. She has supported homeless programs, foster homes and has worked tirelessly to rescue animals on the streets of Puerto Rico.

She completed her undergraduate degree at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in Psychology. During her tenure college, she was elected President of the Students Council. Beatriz was the youngest person to hold this office, and only the second female to do so. As president, she enabled important projects to promote grants for low-income students. This novel project was critical to students, as it helped many obtain additional educational materials. As President, she fostered the creation of cultural projects design to promote Puerto Rico’s culture.

Her experience in with helping people and seeking leadership positions, drover her to develop a strong passion in public policy and social affairs. Beatriz was President of the chapter of the Puerto Rican Statehood Students Association as well as Vice President of her party’s Youth in the capital city of Puerto Rico. These experiences combined with her academic excellence led her to continue her graduate studies at the prestigious School of Public Policy at Duke University in North Carolina; selected among a group of 56 students, being the only Puerto Rican woman.

For the past 4 years, Mrs. Rosselló has been with her husband all over Puerto Rico, having town hall meetings. Here, she was able interact with citizens, listening to their concerns and developing strategies and policies to solve problems. More than 100 activities around Puerto Rico, were able to produce multiple proposals that emphasize well-being, quality of life, and equality for women.

As Puerto Rico First Lady, Beatriz Rosselló will be dedicating her efforts to implement Casa Mujer (‘Women’s Home’); a program which guarantees the fundamental rights of Puerto Rican women, through specialized services such as: sexual and reproductive health, comprehensive care for gender-based violence, economic empowerment and the promotion of their rights, including a child care area so that children are cared for while their mothers receive the different services. She also will be promoting animal welfare, growth in non-profit organizations, women's entrepreneurial success and the establishment of a Women's Council, responsible for promoting the equitable participation of women and for ensuring compliance with public policies and protective legislation.

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