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.