COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla is the first Latina woman elected to the city council. The daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation American, her goal as a policymaker is to bring about change in Columbus’ Latinx community.
“When I came to this space, it was very important to me to be able to create a space for the community,” Barroso de Padilla said.
What you need to know Columbus City Councilwoman Lourdes Barroso de Padilla is the first Latina woman elected to the Columbus City Council.
Barroso de Padilla was born in Columbus, is a first-generation American, and is the daughter of Cuban-American immigrants.
Proyecto Mariposas founder said Barroso de Padilla was an inspiration to Columbus’ Latino community
“There are a lot of parallel experiences to the immigrant experience. And what I feel over and over again is that it’s the Latinx people who come up to me and hug me or see me representing them.” It’s not just people of ancestry, but people from all over the diaspora,” Barroso de Padilla said.
Barroso de Padilla was elected president in November 2021 and has been spearheading Columbus’ Latino Heritage Month ever since.
“We have planned a series of events that will truly celebrate Latinx culture and Latinx heritage here in the city of Columbus, as well as uplift the community,” Barroso de Padilla said.
One of the organizations sponsoring Latin American Heritage Month is Proyecto Mariposas. Founder Yahaira Rose has been collaborating with Barroso de Padilla for many years. She said Barroso de Padilla’s influence is felt throughout Columbus’ Latino community.
“So, are you working with your council member?” No, this partnership idea was great. Because not only did she start this parade, she actually started this Latin American Heritage Month. You have really grown. And she has a genuine commitment to the community to make sure it continues,” Rose said.
City Councilman Barroso de Padilla was a key figure in starting the Latino Heritage Month parade and was instrumental in the growth of Latino Heritage Month in Columbus. She is also on a mission to shine a light on the pay gap for women. Rose said all of this is an inspiration to other Latinos to get involved in civic activities.
“She has inspired so many other young women to get involved in the city and civic life, which is something I’m really looking forward to seeing in our community to have representation in all of these offices.” It’s just one thing,” Rose said.
City Council Member Barroso de Padilla is the first Latina woman to serve on the City Council.
“While we both need to celebrate, we must also recognize how much work still needs to be done to ensure that, even in a place like this, we remove the obstacles to bringing about change for our people. No,” Barroso said. De Padilla.
