Vilma Socorro Martínez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vilma Martínez
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| United States Ambassador to Argentina | |
| In office September 18, 2009 – July 4, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Earl Wayne |
| Succeeded by | Noah Mamet |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 17, 1943 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Stuart Singer |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Texas, Austin (BA) Columbia University (JD) |
Vilma Socorro Martínez, born on October 17, 1943, is an American lawyer, a champion for civil rights, and a diplomat. She served as the United States Ambassador to Argentina from 2009 to 2013, appointed by President Barack Obama.
Contents
About Vilma Socorro Martínez
Her Early Life and Education
Vilma Socorro Martínez was born in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents, Marina and Salvador Martínez, were Mexican-American. She attended the University of Texas at Austin for her first degree. After that, she went to Columbia Law School and finished her studies in 1967.
Her Career as a Lawyer
After law school, Vilma Martínez joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). Here, she helped many people who were poor or from minority groups. She was also a lawyer for an important case called Griggs v. Duke Power Company. This case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It helped create rules for affirmative action, which means making sure everyone has a fair chance, especially in jobs.
In 1970, Martínez worked for the New York State Division of Human Rights. She helped create new rules to protect the rights of employees. Later, in 1971, she joined a law firm in New York City, working as a labor lawyer.
She was one of the first women to join the board of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). In 1973, she became the president of MALDEF. She led efforts to extend the Voting Rights Act. This law helps protect the right to vote for all citizens. Thanks to her work, Mexican Americans were included in this important law in 1975.
Martínez also led a major case in 1974 called Serna v. Portales. This case helped make sure that children who did not speak English had the right to learn in both English and their home language in school. This was called bilingual education. The ruling also said that schools should have teachers and staff who understand the students' culture and language. This was very important for many students across several states.
From 1977 to 1981, Vilma Martínez was part of a group that reviewed people chosen for ambassador jobs. In 1982, she became a partner at a law firm called Munger, Tolles & Olson. She helped solve problems between workers and companies. She also advised the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and worked with the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.
Serving as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina
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In 2009, Vilma Socorro Martínez was chosen to be the United States Ambassador to Argentina. She was the first woman to hold this important role in Buenos Aires. Before this, she had never visited Argentina.
As ambassador, she helped manage a project between NASA and CONAE (Argentina's space agency). This project launched the SAC-D satellite into space. She finished her time as ambassador on July 4, 2013.
Other Important Roles
Vilma Martínez has also served on many other boards and groups:
- 1976-1990: Board of Regents of the University of California (she was Chairman from 1984 to 1986)
- 1983-2007: Director on the board of Anheuser-Busch
- 1993: Director on the board of Fluor
- 1998: Director on the board of Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad
- 1998: Director on the board of Shell Oil
- Director on the board of Sanwa Bank California
- Director on the board of Bank of the West
- Member of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington D.C.
- Member of Walmart's Employment Advisory Panel
Awards and Honors
Vilma Martínez has received several awards for her work:
- 1976: Samuel S. Beard Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under
- 1988: Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Texas
- American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Award
- Columbia University Medal for Excellence
- 2013: Grand Cross of the Order of May (an award from Argentina)
Personal Life
Vilma Socorro Martínez is married to Stuart Singer, who is also an attorney. They have two sons, Carlos and Ricardo.
See also
In Spanish: Vilma Martínez para niños
- List of first women lawyers and judges in the United States
