Cecilia Abbott Becomes Texas' First Hispanic First Lady: Latina Leader Praises Governor Husband Greg Abbott, Promises to Help Senior Citizens
Cecilia Abbott, the wife of new Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, made history on Tuesday when she became the first Latina First Lady of Texas.
Greg Abbott was sworn in as the 48th governor of Texas during a ceremony on Tuesday, making this the first time that the state has had a Hispanic First Lady, The Associated Press reports. While delivering his inaugural address at the state Capitol, the Repbublican governor said his wife, who is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, embodies The Lone Star State.
Greg added that Texas "has been the blending of cultures from across the globe even before we became our own nation."
Cecilia, 55, was raised in a family of four children in San Antonio by educator parents. In 1978, she began attending the University of Texas, where she met her husband. The couple has been married for 33 years and have one adoptive daugher.
"When I met and then married Greg, I knew he was an exceptional person and that we would have a wonderful and exciting life together," Cecilia said, according to Fox News Latino. "I love and respect Greg so much and know he is the right leader for Texas; it's been so inspiring to go on this journey with him."
Cecilia, who has advanced degrees in both education and theology, dedicated most of her life working as a teacher and principal. In 2001, Governor Rick Perry appointed her to the State Board of Educator Certification, where she served until 2008.
Texas's new First Lady then shifted her focus to helping senior citizens and working as the community relations director for a network of senior healthcare facilities.
During an interview with FNL, Cecila opened up about stepping into her role as Texas's First Lady.
"My worldview is strongly influenced by my faith, and as First Lady, I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the causes that I care deeply about, such as protecting our children and helping Texas' seniors," she said.
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