Alma Anaya

Alma E. Anaya (June 19, 1989) is a Democratic member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners serving the 7th District in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The youngest woman elected to this position, and the only formerly undocumented immigrant to be elected to any post in the midwest. She was elected on November 6, 2018, after advancing from the primary on March 20, 2018.
Anaya defeated Angeles Sandoval, the daughter of Senator Martin Sandoval, in the 2018 Democratic primary as part of a slate of Latino candidates backed by then-Cook County Commissioner and congressional candidate Chuy García. She was also endorsed by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. She took office on December 3, 2018.
Early life, family, and career
Anaya was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and was the oldest of four children. At the age of 6, she moved to Chicago with her family where they settled on the southside. She is a survivor of domestic violence and overcame homelessness as an undocumented teenager. She graduated from Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
Prior to her election to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Anaya was the Director of Administration with the 7th District.
Anaya also serves on the board of Mujeres Latinas en Accion, a Chicago nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and empowering women.

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