No state has a greater density of Chicano community leaders and politicians than does Texas. This study examines the lives and politics of a distinguished group of Chicana women who have risen to positions of power. The authors profile women who serve in various public capacities-federal judges, candidates for Lieutenant Governor, a statewide chair of a political party, and members of school boards and city and county governments. The diverse careers of these women offer rare glimpses of the kinds of struggles they face, both as women and as members of the Chicano community. Chicans in Charge will be of great value to those interested in gender studies, political science, local government, public policy, oral history, biography, and Chicano studies.

JosZ Angel GutiZrrez is professor of political science and founder of the Center for Mexican American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle MelZndez is community services director at St. Joseph Community Health in Albuquerque. Sonia Adriana Noyola is an AP/dual-credit government teacher at Moody High School in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Part 1 Adelitas: The Warrior Trail Blazers
Chapter 2 Olga Ramos Peña
Chapter 3 Anita N. Martínez
Chapter 4 Virginia Muzquiz
Chapter 5 Alicia Chacón
Chapter 6 Rosa Tijerina and María Escobar
Part 7 The Chicano Movement Activists
Chapter 8 Alma Canales
Chapter 9 Linda Reyna Yáñez
Chapter 10 Irma Mireles
Chapter 11 Severita Lara
Chapter 12 Maria Jiménez
Part 13 Puentes Y Lazos: The Hispanic Connectors
Chapter 14 Hilda Tagle
Chapter 15 Elvira Reyna
Chapter 16 Leticia San Miguel Van De Putte
Chapter 17 Socorro "Coco" Medina
Chapter 18 María Antonietta Berriozabal
Chapter 19 Trini Gámez
Part 20 21st Century Entorchas/ Torchbearers
Chapter 21 Norma Chávez
Chapter 22 Diana Flores
Chapter 23 Gloria De León
Chapter 24 Lena Lavario
Chapter 25 Elfida Márquez Gutiérrez
Chapter 26 Rose Herrera
Chapter 27 Norma Villarreal Ramírez
Chapter 28 Guadalupe "Lupe" Valdez