María C. Colón Sánchez was born on January 3, 1926 in Comerío, Puerto Rico. She left Puerto Rico in 1953 and came to Hartford.   She immediately became involved in organizing the community and helping those in need.  In 1962, María founded and organized the first Puerto Rican Parade in Connecticut that took place the following year. María opened Maria’s News Stand in 1969.  This small business became her base for community involvement throughout her life.   

María was the first Puerto Rican elected to Hartford Board of Education in 1973.  In May 1987, Maria was honored at the tenth annual Bilingual conference in Hartford.  In her remarks to parents, paraprofessionals, teachers, and administrators, she stated “Ask yourself each day, what have I done to improve the Bilingual Programs?” “Let’s do it for the Kids.”  

María was also the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Connecticut State House of Representatives in 1988.  

The Hartford Board of Education officially opened María C. Colón Sánchez  Elementary School in 1992 in her honor.