Laura Chinchilla

Who Is Laura Chinchilla?

Laura Chinchilla, a prominent Costa Rican politician, was the first woman to become President of Costa Rica and the fifth female president in the history of Latin America. From 2010 to 2014, her leadership focused on reducing crime, enhancing public security, stabilizing the economy, and improving the public healthcare system. Her presidency was marked by a vision of progress grounded in justice, peace, and inclusive citizen participation, setting a milestone in the region’s political history.

What is her Background?

Laura Chinchilla began her political career as Deputy Minister of Public Security (1994-1996) and later served as Minister of Public Security (1996-1998), earning recognition for her work in public safety. She became Vice President and Minister of Justice during Óscar Arias’s second term (2006-2010), resigning to run for the presidency.

Her international experience includes consultancy roles in public governance with organizations such as the IDB, USAID, and UNDP, contributing to projects in Latin America and Africa. She also chaired key bodies like the Joint Drug Intelligence Center and the National Migration Council.

As president, she prioritized security policies, significantly reduced crime rates, and established a national network of childcare centers. Her numerous accolades include three honorary doctorates and awards for her commitment to marine biodiversity and sports development.