Melissa Mark-Viverito is a Puerto Rican politician and activist who made history as the first Latina to serve as Speaker of the New York City Council from 2014 to 2017. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1969, she moved to New York City to pursue higher education and community activism. Throughout her career, Mark-Viverito has been a staunch advocate for progressive policies, focusing on issues such as immigration reform, affordable housing, and criminal justice. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing the rights and well-being of Latino communities in New York City, making her a prominent figure in local and national politics.