ATA-NV ATA NEVADA Association of Turkish Americans in Nevada

LIA ROBERTS

Lia Roberts was born in Bucharest, Romania.

She graduated in 1972 from the University of Bucharest with a degree in Geology and specialized in Geotechnical Engineering. The Mother Nature was always near and dear to her heart and her profession fitted her like a glove.

She retired at 30 when she married and immigrated with her son to the United States in 1979.

She traveled the world many times. She got involved in politics as soon as she stepped on the American soil- politics became the love of her life.

She worked on campaigns for over 27 years, helping candidates get elected from the Court House to the White House.

She was a two term President of a Republican Women's Club and worked every step of the way to become President of the Nevada Federation of Republican Women. Ultimately she became the Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party.

Lia has always been involved in the life of the community with its many aspects, such as being selected by the Governor of Nevada as the member of the Taxicab Commission and elected twice by her piers as Chairman.

She was considered twice by the United States President as Ambassodor of the United States of America to Romania.

Her activities did not stop to American politics and deep community involment, Lia never forgot the country of her birth, Romania. As Honorory Colsul she helped her native country. She was very instrumental in getting the votes in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for the acceptance of Romania in N.A.T.O. as U.S. strongest ally. She received innumerable recognitions and was honored by the President of Romania with a medal of merit in year 2000.

In recent years, she wanted to take the learning process of what Democracy is, a step further: to teach the people of her native country of Romania to live by its principles. She tried to run for the highest office in that country, the office of the President. Due to a high a degree of corruption and misogynistic mentality, she did not pursue the race till the end, although she was constantly running third in the polls.

Back to Nevada, she continued being engaged in politics, helping Republican candidates, and being heavily involved in Congressman Jim Gibbons' bid for the Governor's seat.

Most recently, the government of Romania recognized Lia's contribution to enhance Romania's image in Nevada and United States of America by bestowing upon her the title as Honorory Consul General of Romania.

Governor Jim Gibbons appointed Lia to his Transition Team and asked her to chair the Inaugural Ball in Southern Nevada. He also appointed her on the Judicial Selection Commission and most recently as a member on the Nuclear Projects Commission.

Lia continues to be engaged in the vibrant life of her city of residence, Las Vegas, and that of the State of Nevada.