Zenaida Moya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zenaida Moya
Moya in 2010
Mayor of Belize City
In office 1 March 2006 – 7 March 2012
Preceded by	David Fonseca
Succeeded by	Darrell Bradley
Personal details
Political party	United Democratic Party
Alma mater	Gonzaga University University of Detroit-Mercy

Zenaida Victoria Moya is a former mayor of Belize City, Belize. She was first chosen as mayor in elections held in March 2006. She was a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Zenaida Moya was the first woman to become mayor of Belize City.

Early Life and School

Zenaida Moya grew up in a big family in Belize City. She went to schools in Belize, including Pallotti High School and St. John's College, Junior College.

Later, she moved to Spokane, Washington in the United States. There, she studied at Gonzaga University and earned a degree in Business Administration. She focused on Economics, which is about how money and goods are made and used. She then got a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Detroit-Mercy in Detroit, Michigan.

Working for the Government

In 1995, Moya started working for the Social Security Board in Belize. This board helps people with things like retirement and health benefits. She worked as an economist, studying how the country's money and resources were used.

Later, she moved to the Ministry of Economic Development. In 2002, she became the Registrar of Cooperatives and Credit Unions. This job meant she helped manage groups where people work together for shared goals, like farmers' groups or small banks.

In 2004, she faced some challenges in her role. She was later asked to help with the country's budget plans.

Involvement in National Protests

Zenaida Moya was part of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), a group that represents workers. In January 2005, she joined strikes and protests. These protests happened because people were unhappy with the government's new budget plans.

Some people criticized her for speaking out against the government. However, she defended her actions, saying she had not broken any rules. She was cleared of any wrongdoing and decided to get involved in local politics.

Becoming a Candidate for Mayor

In September 2005, Moya decided to run for Mayor of Belize City. She joined many other candidates from the United Democratic Party (UDP). In October 2005, she won the party's selection process, meaning she would be their candidate for mayor.

Some people wondered if she had enough political experience. But on March 1, 2006, she led her party to victory. She won the election against the People's United Party (PUP), who were in power at the time.

As Mayor of Belize City

As Mayor, Zenaida Moya worked hard for Belize City. She traveled to other countries to represent the city. She also made some important decisions at home, like improving how the city handled trash and making sure tourism helped local people.

Even though she was new to the job, she quickly learned her duties.

Re-election

Zenaida Moya ran for Mayor again in March 2009. She was re-elected for a second term, along with all the other council members from her party. She officially started her second term on March 11, 2009.

Moya did not run for re-election in 2012.

See also

In Spanish: Zenaida Moya para niños