Sheryl Williams Stapleton

Sheryl Williams Stapleton (born 1958[1]) is a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives where she represents District 19. A member of the Democratic Party, she is currently the majority floor leader in the House. She was first elected to office in 1994 and is the first African-American woman elected to the New Mexico legislature.

Sheryl Williams Stapleton
Majority Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives
Assumed office
17 January 2017
Preceded byNate Gentry
Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives
from the 19th district
Assumed office
January 1995
Preceded by???
Personal details
Born1958 (age 61–62)
Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationUniversity of New Mexico, Albuquerque (BA, MA, PhD)

On 14 December 2011, Williams called the current Governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez, "the Mexican on the Fourth Floor" while she was talking to State Representative Nora Espinoza during a committee break at the Capitol in Santa Fe. Williams denied she meant the phrase as an ethnic slur.[2] In her apology, Williams also said, "I am a Latina."[3]

Following the 2016 elections, Williams was chosen by the Democratic Caucus of New Mexico as House Majority Leader. She is the first ever African American majority leader of the New Mexico House.[4]

Education

Sheryl Williams Stapleton has received her education from the following institutions:

  • PhD, Educational Leadership, University of New Mexico
  • Masters, Multicultural Education, University of New Mexico, 1987
  • B.S., University of New Mexico, 1978[5]

Political Experience

Sheryl Williams Stapleton has had the following political experience:

  • Majority Whip, New Mexico State House of Representatives, present
  • Representative, New Mexico State House of Representatives, 1994–present
  • Vice Chair, New Mexico Democratic Party
  • Vice President, Association of State Democratic Chairs
  • Member, National Democratic Committee[5]

Current Legislative Committees

Sheryl Williams Stapleton has been a member of the following committees:

  • Education, Member
  • Labor and Human Resources, Member
  • Printing and Supplies, Member
  • Rules and Order of Business, Member[5]

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees

Sheryl Williams Stapleton has been a member of the following committees:

  • Commissioner Education Commission of the States
  • Member, Education Committee of the National Council of State Legislators
  • Member, Education Committee
  • Member, Labor & Human Resources Committee
  • Member, Printing & Supplies Committee
  • Member, Rules & Order of Business Committee[5]

Professional Experience

Sheryl Williams Stapleton has had the following professional experience:

  • Assistant Principal, Career Enrichment Center
  • Educator, Albuquerque Public School District
  • Coordinator, Schools to Careers Program
  • APS Carl Perkins Project Director and Coordinator, Career and Technical Education[5]

References
  1. "Profile at Freedom Speaks". Retrieved 18 October 2009.
  2. Robertson, John. Democratic Leader Calls Gov. A ‘Mexican’, Albuquerque Journal, 15 December 2011.
  3. Terrell, Steve. Stapleton Apologizes for "Mexican" Remark, "Roundhouse Roundup: The Blog," 15 December 2011.
  4. "Egolf in line to be next Speaker of the House". Retrieved 23 November 2016.
  5. "Representative Sheryl M. Williams-Stapleton's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
New Mexico House of Representatives
Preceded by
Nate Gentry		 Majority Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives
2017–present		 Incumbent
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