Hidalgo County Commissioner, Donna ISD Trustee
Donna, Texas
Sylvia Handy grew up in Donna, Texas. Her parents advocated for her education from a young age, and her father fought for her to attend a local school rather than the designated Mexican school. Her parents also served as political role models: her father was elected city commissioner in Donna, and her mother was a “politiquera.” Handy attended Pan American College prior to apprenticing with an attorney, and she later became a court coordinator. She served as an officer on the Donna ISD School Board and later became the first Latina county commissioner in Hidalgo County.
Interviewed by Cristina Salinas on March 4, 2023 in Weslaco, Texas
Sylvia Handy discusses the emergence of racial consciousness as a child when she became aware of the inequities of the local school system.
Handy discusses growing up in a political household and reveals the emergence of the term ‘politiquera.
Handy remembers and describes the moment she was elected as a County Commissioner.
Handy was featured in 2002 for her service on the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court. From The Monitor, October 9, 2002.
Sylvia Handy’s request to raise pay for road crew is rejected. Article from The Monitor, March 5, 1999.