Tony Méndez (February 5, 1902 – January 8, 1982) was the first native-born Puerto Rican to become a district leader of a major political party in New York City.
Puerto Rican women confronted economic exploitation, discrimination, racism, and the insecurities inherent in the migration process on a daily basis, however they fared better than did men in the job market.
[1] Thus, Méndez became the first native-born Puerto Rican to become a district leader of a major political party in New York City.
Under the leadership of Méndez, the members of Tammany Hall's Democratic Party increased their political power in the district.
On January 21, 1997, Congressman Jose E. Serrano paid tribute to Isabel, who by then was the widow of Méndez, before the United States House of Representatives.
His funeral was held in the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Agony, located in Third Avenue and 101st Street in New York City.