Nilda Pedrosa facts for kids

Nilda Pedrosa (1974 – January 23, 2021) was an American politician. She was a member of the Republican party. From September 2020 until January 2021, she was the acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs for the United States Department of State. Before this, she worked as an Assistant Dean at Florida International University College of Law.

Early Life and Education

Nilda Rodriguez Pedrosa was born in Miami, Florida, in 1974. She grew up in Miami and finished high school in 1992. She then studied at Miami Dade College and Florida International University (FIU). In 1996, she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from FIU. Later, she went to New England Law Boston and earned a law degree in 1999.

Her Career in Government

Working for the Federal Government (2001–2010)

Nilda Pedrosa worked for Senator Connie Mack III as a regional director. In 2001, she became a director at Miami Children's Hospital. In 2003, during the Bush administration, she joined the U.S. Department of State. There, she was the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs until April 2004.

In 2004, she helped Mel Martinez with his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate. From 2005 to 2008, she was a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Martinez. She also worked as Chief of Staff for Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart from 2009 to 2010.

Nilda Pedrosa was a key person on Senator Martinez's team for immigration issues. She worked to pass new immigration laws in the United States Senate in 2006 and 2007. She also worked on policies related to Cuba in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. She was involved with groups that supported democracy in Cuba.

Helping Choose Judges

Nilda Pedrosa was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in 2001 to a committee that helps choose judges in Florida. She later became the chair of this committee in 2005. She also served on similar committees for other courts, appointed by Governor Charlie Crist and Governor Rick Scott. These committees help find qualified people to become judges.

Later Career Steps

After working in the federal government, Nilda Pedrosa became an Assistant Dean at the Florida International University College of Law in 2010. She also advised Jeb Bush during his presidential campaign in 2016. Later, she was the chief of staff for Pam Bondi, who was the Florida Attorney General at the time.

Undersecretary of State (2020–2021)

On September 28, 2020, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo named Nilda Pedrosa as the acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. She was the second Hispanic person to hold this important position. When Donald Trump's presidency ended in January 2021, she was the highest-ranking woman at the State Department. On January 20, 2021, Jennifer Hall Godfrey took over her role.

Community Involvement

Nilda Pedrosa was an active member of several community groups. She was a leader in the Miami Chapter of the Federalist Society. She also worked with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Americans for Immigrant Justice, which helps immigrants. She was also on the boards of Amigos For Kids and the 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society.

Personal Life

Nilda Pedrosa was married to Eliot Pedrosa. They met while studying at FIU. They had two children together.

Nilda Pedrosa passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 46. She had been ill with cancer before her death.

See also

• Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006
• Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007
• Cuba-United States relations
• Diaspora politics in the United States
• Opposition to Fidel Castro