Los Angeles Councilwoman, Nury Martinez, has made history.
On Tuesday 12/3, Martines was unanimously elected the first Latina president in the 110-year history of the Los Angeles City Council.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Martinez, who represents the 6th District in the northeast San Fernando Valley, is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and grew up in the city of Pacoima. The Times also adds she is the second woman ever elected to head the City Council.
She will replace Councilman Herb Wesson, who's set to step down from presidential duties on Jan. 4. The report also adds that the newly elected president hopes her historic election will be an example to women and girls around the region.
In the presence of her daughter during the ceremony, Martinez told reporters:
"I'd like my daughter – not only my daughter but other little girls just like her – to know that women in this city can grow up to be anything they want to be.'
Martinez was endorsed by Councilman Herb Wesson last week when he announced his plans to resign as council president.
Martinez has pushed for paid parental leave, sidewalk improvements and supportive housing homeless individuals in the San Fernando Valley, according to her website.
Martinez 's resume includes chairing the council's Environmental, Climate Change & Environmental Justice Committee and has called for a "Green New Deal" agenda that aims to curb pollution that disproportionately affects low-income communities of color.
Martinez said she also hopes it serves as a boost for the Latino community amid an "anti-immigrant climate" in the U.S while announcing her win today!
"I think it's important to continue to show the rest of the country what this community is made. The Latinos are ready to lead and we're very grateful to be part of this wonderful country called America."
Previously Martinez served on the LAUSD board before being elected to City Council in 2013. She was on the San Fernando City Council from 2003 to 2009.
This is major! Congratulations, Nury Martinez!
PHOTOS: Via Twitter courtesy of Libby Denkmann