Rebeca Sosa, the county commissioner for District 6, was elected on Nov. 20 to chair the commission board.

    “It is an honor to have been chosen by my colleagues,” said Sosa, whose office represents the residents throughout District 6, which includes Miami Springs, Hialeah, West Miami, Coral Gables and parts of Miami.

    The election has been deemed historic: Sosa is the first Hispanic woman in Miami-Dade County to be chosen for the post. She also was the first woman ever to be elected on the first round — and by a unanimous decision.

    Another precedent was set with Sosa’s selection as chair.  It is the first time in the county’s history that two women will occupy both the chair and vice chair seats, as Commissioner Lynda Bell was selected for the latter slot.

    An official induction ceremony is expected to take place in the near future before Sosa and Bell commence their two-year terms.

    Sosa has served on the Board of County Commissioners since 2001 and has been instrumental in helping Miami Springs on many fronts, including restoring the local library and assisting with funding for the new community center. The Rebeca Sosa Theater at the community center was named in her honor in 2010.

    She is currently the chairwoman of the committee for Economic Development & Social Services. Additionally, she is a member of the committee for Infrastructure & Land Use and the committee for Recreational & Cultural Affairs.

    “Miami Springs is a big winner in the selection of Commissioner Rebeca Sosa as chair of the Board of County Commissioners,” Mayor Zavier Garcia wrote in an e-mail to the Gazette. “She is well deserving of this recognition by her colleagues. I know I speak on behalf of Miami Springs and its residents in saying congratulations to Chairwoman Sosa.

    Said Councilwoman Jennifer Ator: “I am impressed and pleased that Commissioner Sosa was elected chair of the County Commission. We don’t have enough women in leadership in the United States and it is important for our girls to understand that the sky is the limit. By breaking the glass ceiling, Commissioner Sosa has done her part to be a shining example.”