Soledad Chávez Chacón (1892-1936)

In 1922, two years after women gained the right to vote, Soledad was elected Secretary of State, the first Hispanic woman to hold statewide office in New Mexico and the country. She descended from a family of territorial governors and office holders, and “the hand of destiny” provided Lala an historic opportunity. In 1924, Lt. Governor José Baca passed away and Governor James Hinkle was out of state, leaving Secretary Chacόn to assume the duties of the governor, becoming the first female Hispanic in the nation to govern a state. New Mexico was one of the last states in 1921 to allow women in public office, and Soledad's achievements opened doors. .