[2][3] She received a masters and a doctoral degree in Romance languages and linguistics from the University of North Carolina.

[4] She worked as a professor and an administrator at Florida International University, serving as the vice-president for academic affairs.

[11] Gonzalez-Quevedo sponsored the Florida Small and Minority Business Assistance Act in 1985 and the following year, proposed a commission to develop programs for teenage mothers.

[1] She was asked by the Speaker of the House, Jon Mills, to join the budget committee but declined the appointment.

[15] Following her decision, fellow Democratic legislators passed a bill to repeal a state law banning candidates from changing parties within six months of an election.