Texas has for the first time in its history a first lady with Hispanic origins, Cecilia Phalen Abbott -known wife of Governor Greg Abbott- is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and according to her official biography:"Her life is a reminder that the American dream is still alive in Texas".
Cecilia was very active throughout the campaign to promote her husband's candidacy before becoming governor. In one of his campaign messages he stated: "That honest, hard-working guy you appreciate as your attorney general is the same man at home. Watching him mature as a man through incredible trials and into fatherhood has made me love him even more and trust him even more."
At campaign events, Governor Abbott also frequently referred to his wife to point out how the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants had helped him embrace the culture of Texas' growing Hispanic population.
Before becoming first lady
Cecilia grew up in San Antonio, Texas, after her grandparents emigrate from Mexico. Her parents, both educators, "instilled in her, her sister, and her two brothers the power of education. According to her biography, she is a devotee of classical music, having started playing the piano at the age of six. She is also an animal lover and has raised numerous dogs to this day.
He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and later earned three degrees from the University of St. Thomas. Thomas in Houston: a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Theology.
She has been a teacher, assistant principal and principal in several Texas Catholic schools for several years . And she is a former member of the State Board of Educator Certification, where she served from 2001 to 2008.
Cecilia: crucial to Greg Abbott's life
Cecilia met Greg Abbott when they were both attending college in Texas. They married some time later and have been together for 41 years. The couple's life was transformed when Governor Abbott suffered an accident that left him a paraplegic: In July 1984, while exercising on the streets of Houston, a huge tree collapsed and fell on him. The accident crushed his back, damaged his kidneys and forced him to use a wheelchair forever.
Friends and family of the couple have noted that at the time of his accident, Cecilia was crucial to her husband' s recovery and career.
The couple has an adopted daughter named Audrey. Also, they have two dogs: pancake and peaches, both known as "the first dogs of Texas". They all live in the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin.
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Role of first lady: "Texas and philanthropy".
Her main initiative as first lady combines, according to her, the two things she is most passionate about: Texas and philanthropy. He calls it Texanthropy, through which he actively promotes volunteerism and service to others throughout Texas.
Cecilia is also part of the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS). He has collaborated with the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team (DFPS) a diverse group of faith leaders from across Texas who will develop strategies to end human trafficking. He has also served on the advisory boards of the Alzheimer's Association, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of Texas. In addition to many other organizations to help abused children in the Lone Star State.
I'm proud to join with @ARFirstLady Susan Hutchinson in the Shine Hope Campaign. Today, I'm wearing blue to help raise awareness & shine hope for victims & survivors of abuse. Today & every day, when we work together, we can make a difference in the lives of children. #ShineHope pic.twitter.com/uYAaFihPlo
- Cecilia Abbott (@TexasFLCA) April 11, 2022
