Former U.S. Treasurer to speak at TCC

Former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin will share her “Life Story of an Immigrant that Made U.S. History” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mar. 2 on Tacoma Community College’s (TCC) main campus. Admission is free.

Marin came to the U.S. at the age of 14 not speaking English. Like many immigrants, Marin’s parents came to this country in hopes of providing more opportunities for their children. In 2001, Marin was sworn in as the 41st Treasurer of the United States. As she is fond of saying, her “signature validated the most powerful currency on earth.”

Marin’s hard work and dedication led her to become the highest-ranking Latina in the Bush Administration and Treasurer of the United States. She has served as mayor and city councilwoman for Huntington Park, Calif.; an official in Gov. Pete Wilson’s administration; and is embarking on her campaign for the United States Senate.

She credits her family for all her professional achievements and believes that her greatest achievement in life is her family. After her son, Eric, was born with Down Syndrome, Marin became an advocate for people with disabilities, and saw a particular need for a support and advocacy group to help Spanish-speaking families with children with disabilities. In 1987, she founded FUERZA, a group that continues to assist families.

As president of FUERZA, Marin spent countless hours lobbying the California Legislature to change the laws to help people with disabilities. Gov. Wilson noticed her efforts and enlisted her to serve in his administration as chief of legislative affairs in the Department of Developmental Services. During her tenure, the governor signed the most sweeping legislative reform in 20 years to help people with disabilities, and Marin was later appointed to chair the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

This event is part of the 2004-2005 Artist and Lecture Series, presented by the Associated Students of Tacoma Community College. The series is designed to provide the student body with a well-rounded cultural program as well as help advance cultural awareness in the community. The public is welcome to attend.

TCC’s main campus is located at 6501 S. 19th St., Tacoma. Marin will speak in the Opgaard Student Center, Building 11. For more information, call (253) 566 – 5118.