Hilda Santiago, of Meriden, was born in Naranjito, Puerto Rico and raised in New York City. Her family moved to Meriden during her senior year of high school. After graduating from Orville H. Platt High School, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Southern Connecticut State University, majoring in history and Latin American studies. Santiago was appointed to serve on the city council in 1996 and in 2005 became the first Puerto Rican woman to win an open seat in Meriden’s City Council. She has also served on various boards including the United Way, YWCA (WFC), Child Guidance Clinic, Catholic Charities, Kiwanis and Casa Boricua of Meriden.