Honor Wall Plaque for Maria Regan Gonzalez :

Maria Regan Gonzalez

Graduating Class of 2004

     A member of the Craig High School graduating class of 2004, Maria Regan Gonzalez was the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Trade and Policy as well as Spanish from the University of Minnesota and later became the first Latina mayor in Minnesota history.

     While attending Craig, Regan Gonzalez explored her passions through extracurricular activities, including the Gay Straight Alliance and Human Relations. She also played ice hockey and served on staff for the school newspaper.

     Regan Gonzalez has focused her life on community service with emphasis on equity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Regan Gonzalez has received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award, the Neighborhood Champion Award, the NeighborWorks Community Builder Award, and the Community Hero Award. In 2016, Gonzalez became the youngest member of the Richfield, Minnesota City Council and in 2018 was elected its mayor. In the same year, she was recognized as a “Changemaker” by the Minnesota Women’s Press.

     Gonzalez aspires to support future leaders in our country, consistently serving as a role model for diverse youth.

Inducted April 5, 2019