Mari-Luci Jaramillo (June 19, 1928 – November 20, 2019) was an American educator and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Honduras from 1977 to 1980.[2] Upon her confirmation, Jaramillo became the first Mexican-American woman to serve as an American ambassador.[3]
Early life and education
Jaramillo was native of Las Vegas, New Mexico.[4] While attending school, she worked in her father's shop, shining shoes.[4] Later, she cleaned houses and waited tables in order to help pay for her tuition at New Mexico Highlands University.[4] In 1959, she graduated magna cum laude from Highlands University with a master's degree in education.[4] In 1970, she earned a doctorate from the University of New Mexico.[4] Her doctoral thesis was entitled In-service teacher education in a tri-ethnic community: a participant-observer study.[5]
Career
After graduation, she became an elementary school teacher.[4] Later Jaramillo joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico and served in various roles, including associate dean, vice president, and assistant to the president of the university.[4]
In 1992, Jaramillo was appointed deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Latin America during the Clinton Administration.[4]
Personal life
Jaramillo's first marriage to Horacio Ulibarrí ended in divorce after the couple had two sons and a daughter. Her second husband was Heriberto Jaramillo and her third husband was James Elliott.[1][8][9]
