Luz Arce Ferrer

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Arce and the second or maternal family name is Ferrer.

Luz Zenaida "Lucy" Arce Ferrer (born March 6, 1950), is a Puerto Rican politician. She served as a member of the Senate of Puerto Rico from 1996 till 2013.

Luz Z. Arce Ferrer
Luz Arce Ferrer in 2013
Member of the Puerto Rico Senate from the at-large district
In office 1996 – January 1, 2013
Majority Whip of the Senate of Puerto Rico
In office 2009–2013
Preceded by	Carlos Pagán
Succeeded by	Rossana López León
President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico
In office 2000
Preceded by	Aníbal Marrero Pérez
Succeeded by	Velda González
Personal details
Born	(1950-03-06) March 6, 1950 (age 75) Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Political party	New Progressive Party
Children	Nayda
Alma mater	University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (BA) Temple University
Profession	Politician

Early years and studies

Lucy Arce was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. She completed a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in English from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Then, she earns her certification in Public Housing Administration from Temple University.

Professional career

Arce has worked as a teacher with the Head Start Program, and as an Ombudsman for the Aguadilla region. She also worked as Regional Director of the Public Housing Administration in Aguadilla, and then as Regional Manager of the Association of Commonwealth Employees (AEELA) in Arecibo.

In 1993, Arce was appointed as Auxiliar Administrator of the Retirement System Administration for the Government Employees of Puerto Rico. She also served as Commissioner of the Women Affairs Commission.

Political career

Arce began her political career with the pro-statehood youth in Aguadilla. She presided the Women Organization of the New Progressive Party for eleven years, and also served as vice-president of the party.

In 1996, Arce was elected as Senator At-large. She was the third candidate with most votes, and the second within her party.^[1] She was reelected in 2000 and 2004.^[2][3] Arce won a slot in the PNP ballot at the PNP primaries^[4] and in 2008, she was elected for her fourth consecutive term, being the fourth candidate with most votes, and the third within her party.^[5]

During her time in the Senate of Puerto Rico, she has served as vice-president of the Senate, Alternate Majority Speaker, President of the Women Legislative Assembly, and President of Commissions of Work, Veteran Affairs, and Human Resources.

Personal life

Lucy Arce has a daughter called Nayda, and five grandchildren.

See also

• Puerto Rico portal

• Senate of Puerto Rico