Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Featured on Pro Politics Podcast

Akin Gump public law and policy senior advisor Ileana Ros-Lehtinen was the featured guest on the Pro Politics podcast, hosted by Zac McCrary, to discuss her path to politics; the issues of the Cuban government; and her advice to junior congress members, among other topics.

In discussing her road to Congress, Ros-Lehtinen says that she aspired to be an educator, a goal she achieved and later became principal of a local academy that she oversaw with her family. It was the parents of her students that inspired her to run for office to address the “policies that were giving them headaches.” With that, Ros-Lehtinen and her parents started a “homegrown, grassroots” campaign and was elected to the Florida Senate in 1982.

On the issues facing Cubans still living in the country, Ros-Lehtinen notes that one of the biggest misunderstandings about Cuba is the complex impact of an oppressive communistic dictatorship on everyday life. She said, “Cuba controls if you can leave, if you can stay and where you work and where you study […] I wish people had a better understanding of how tough it is for Cubans to go through their days.”

To conclude, Ros-Lehtinen offers advice to newly elected Congress members, noting the importance of utilizing a good mentor and avoiding the allure of the “Beltway Fever,” adding, “your job is to represent the people of your district. Go home every weekend. Listen to what the people are saying… take care of your constituents.”

To listen to the full episode, click here.

Ros-Lehtinen was the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress, spending nearly three decades there before joining Akin Gump (click here for more). Last year, Ros-Lehtinen was named among USA Today’s Women of the Century.