Romana Acosta Banuelos
Biography
Born in Miami, Arizona. She was born in the U.S. but deported to Mexico with her family. Married at age 16 with two children but abandoned by her husband.
Married Alejandro Banuelos December 31, 1949. They had two sons and a daughter. Founder of Ramona's Mexican Food Products Inc. of Los Angeles in 1949. Founder and director of Pan American National Bank of East Los Angeles in 1964. She became chairman of the board in 1969.
Served as Treasurer of the United States December 17, 1971, to February 15, 1974. Her signature appears on Federal Reserve Notes, series of 1969C and 1969D. She was the first of several Hispanic women appointed to this office.
Following her service as Treasurer, she returned to grow the food service business in Los Angeles. She died in Redondo Beach, California.
bio:WWA 76;WWAW 74;WWS&SW 75;Mexican American Biographies
Source credit: Pete Smith, American Numismatic Biographies