Linda Chavez

Chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity, author, commentator, radio talk show host and Fox News analyst

Not afraid to take issues concerning ethnicity and politics head-on in order to improve integration, Linda Chavez has earned the respect of peers and the public

Known for highlighting issues affecting US society, Chavez was founder of The Center for Equal Opportunity. This is a not-for-profit conservative think tank which examines issues of ethnicity and race in the USA. Operating on the concept that a shared language and a sense of unity among people from a diverse range of backgrounds is vital to the future of the country, the Center works to promote a ‘colour-blind’, united society.

Chavez’s insight into the Hispanic community in the United States has challenged conventional doctrine but has won her numerous supporters.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Center for Equal Opportunity
Former White House Director of Public Liaison
1986 Republican nominee for Maryland U.S. Senator
Fox News Channel analyst
Author
Radio talk show host

Topics covered include Diversity & Equal Opportunity, Civil Rights, Challenges and Issues in the Workplace and the Boardroom and Hispanic Assimilation

Speaking Style: Knowledgeable and measured yet very passionate about her cause, Linda Chavez can educate and engage audiences of all sizes.

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Topics Covered

Diversity & Equal Opportunity
Civil Rights
Challenges and issues in the workplace and the boardroom
Hispanic Assimilation

Biography

Chavez is well known for her 1991 book ‘Out of the Barrio: Toward a New Politics of Hispanic Assimilation’. The book was acclaimed for its honest and considered approach to integration and for daring to challenge stereotypes. Her later books, including her memoir and a book which highlights the use of union money to fund political campaigns have been similarly well received. She currently writes a syndicated weekly column for nationwide U.S. newspapers. Chavez also appears regularly on Fox News as a political analyst.

During her career, Chavez has held a number of high profile positions, these include:

Staff Director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (1983-1985)
Member, Administrative Conference of the United States (1984-1986)
White House Director of Public Liaison (1985)
Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Maryland (1986)
Chairman, National Commission on Migrant Education (1988-1992)
U.S. Expert to the United Nations Sub-commission on the Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities (1992 – 1996)
In 2001, George W. Bush (who was then President) nominated Chavez for the role of Secretary of Labor, demonstrating how her knowledge and ability are recognised at the highest levels of government, though did not enter the role as she withdrew herself from consideration.

Early in her career, Chavez worked for the second largest teacher union in the United States, the American Federation of Teachers. Assistant director of legislation between 1975 and 1977, she was the editor of the union’s journal ‘American Educator’ for six years, starting in 1977. She acted as assistant to the union’s president, Al Shanker, between 1982 and 1983.

Linda was educated at the University of Colorado, graduating with a B.A. in 1970. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Positions and Honours

Library of Congress Living Legend (2000)
On the Board of Directors of ABM Industries (a Fortune 1000 company)
Previously served on the Board of Directors of Pilgrim's Pride and Greyhound Lines
On the board of ‘Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’

Praise for ‘Out of the Barrio: Toward a New Politics of Hispanic Assimilation’
“…must reading for everyone interested in the politics of immigrant adaptation, urban poverty, and race and ethnicity.” Alejandro Portes, Johns Hopkins University
“should explode the stereotypes about Hispanics that have clouded the minds of patronizing liberals and xenophobic conservatives alike.” Denver Post
“…sober, eloquent, and politically incorrect.” Dinesh D’ Souza

Praise for ‘An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal’
“…brilliant, provocative, and moving book.” National Review
"It is her struggle to achieve equality as a person that makes the book worth reading." The New York Sun
"Immensely readable." Commentary

Publications

Out of the Barrio: Toward a New Politics of Hispanic Assimilation (1991)
An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal (2002)
Betrayal: How Union Bosses Shake Down Their Members and Corrupt American Politics (2004)

Languages

English