Liza Fernández Rodríguez

Liza Fernández Rodríguez (born July 23, 1973) is a Puerto Rican attorney and politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party (PNP). Fernández was a member of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico[1] from 2005 to 2012, and of the Senate of Puerto Rico from 2012 to 2013. In December 2012, after her electoral defeat, Fernández was confirmed as a Superior Judge.[2]

For the softball player, see Lisa Fernandez.
Liza Fernández Rodríguez
Member of the Puerto Rico Senate
from the San Juan district
In office
2012 – January 1, 2013
Preceded byRoberto Arango
Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the 4th District
In office
January 2, 2005 – 2012
Preceded byJenniffer González
Succeeded byVíctor Parés
Personal details
BornJuly 23, 1973
San Juan Puerto Rico
Political partyNew Progressive Party (PNP)
Democratic Party
Spouse(s)Angel Pérez Otero (2006-present)
ChildrenValeria Angélica (b. 2007)
Lorena Angeliz (b. 2008)
Alma materSacred Heart University (B.A.)
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
ProfessionAttorney, politician

Fernández is married to current Guaynabo mayor Angel Pérez Otero.[3]

Early years and studies

Liza Fernández was born and raised in San Juan. In 1995, she completed a bachelor's degree in communications from the Sacred Heart University, graduating magna cum laude, meaning "with great honor". She was also included in the National Dean's List for her academic excellence. That same year, she was admitted to the Faculty of Law of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law. She completed her law degree in 1998.

Professional career

After graduating, Fernández worked as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Group.

Since 2001, Fernández has worked as an attorney for the city of San Juan, as Coordinator of the Contract Division in the Office of Legal Affairs.

Political career

In 2003, Fernández decided to run for the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico to represent District 4. She was elected at the 2004 general election. After one term, she was reelected in 2008. During her time as a Representative, she was Chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee[4] and the Joint Commissions for the Revision of the Civil and Penal Codes. She was also a member of the Treasury, San Juan Development, Labor Relations, and Women's Affairs Committees.[5]

In 2011, Fernández confirmed her intention of running for the seat left vacant by Roberto Arango in the Senate of Puerto Rico.[6] After being elected in a Special Election held in March 2012,[7] Fernández became president of the Commission of Commerce and Cooperativism, as well as member of the Commissions of Government, and Woman's Affairs.[5]

Fernández ran for reelection to the Senate at the 2012 general election, but was defeated by the candidates of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD).[8]

In December 2012, Fernández was confirmed as a Superior Judge by the Senate of Puerto Rico.[2]

Personal life

Fernández married fellow representative Angel Pérez Otero in 2006.[3] They have two daughters together: Valeria Angélica (b. 2007) and Lorena Angeliz (b. 2008).[9]

References
  1. "Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico" (in Spanish). House of Representatives - the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved February 8, 2010.
  2. Banuchi, Rebecca (December 17, 2012). "Confirman a Liza Fernández y a Grace Grana a la judicatura". El Nuevo Día.
  3. Frances Rosario (February 7, 2012). "Amor, bodas, y controversias entre políticos". El Nuevo Día.
  4. Associated Press (November 14, 2008). "Reduce y reparte Jenniffer González" (in Spanish). El Vocero de Puerto Rico.
  5. "Liza M. Fernández, Candidata a Senador Distrito #1 por el PNP". WAPA-TV.
  6. Gómez, Antonio R. (August 29, 2011). "Liza Fernández irá por el escaño". Primera Hora.
  7. "Senadores por Distrito, Eleccion Especial 2012". CEEPUR. May 9, 2012.
  8. "Senado de Puerto Rico, Distrito 1, Elecciones Generales 2012". CEEPUR. December 29, 2012. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013.
  9. "En casa de Liza Fernández y Angel Pérez". Primera Hora.
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