Born: 3 February 1974 (Mejicanos, San Salvador)
Died: 25 October 2021
Biography:
Eeileen Auxiliadora Romero Valle (3 February 1974 25 October 2021) was a Salvadoran lawyer, politician, and public servant. She was born on 3 February 1974 in the San Salvador suburb of Mejicanos. Her father, Antonio Romero Diaz, was a merchant. Unfortunately, she was born with seven bone fractures and lived with the effects of the brittle bone disease known as osteogenesis imperfecta throughout her life. As a result, she relied on a wheelchair for mobility.
At the tender age of eight, Romero’s father died in El Salvador’s Civil War. Following her father’s death, Romero and her mother Sofia Santos Valle moved to the small rural town of San Pablo Tacachico, seeking support from their extended family. However, due to El Salvador’s lack of support for individuals with physical disabilities, Romero did not begin her primary school studies until the age of 13. Despite these challenges, she persevered and completed her General Baccalaureate degree in 1998 at the Colegio Liceo Cristiano Reverendo Juan Bueno Central in San Salvador.
Romero’s determination led her to pursue higher education. In 2004, she attained her law degree from the Universidad Cristiana de las Asambleas de Dios (Christian University of the Assemblies of God) and became a practicing attorney. Recognizing her expertise, the Supreme Court of Justice appointed her as a Lawyer of the Republic of El Salvador in 2008, a role she held until her untimely death in 2021.
As a public servant, Eeileen Romero dedicated herself to advocating for people with disabilities. She held various positions, particularly those that represented individuals with disabilities in national and international committees and delegations. Notably, Romero served as the Legal Collaborator of the Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of El Salvador. She also served as the Delegate of the Individuals Department and the Immediate Head of the Office of User Labor Counseling. Her tireless efforts were recognized, and she represented El Salvador at the United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York City in 2005.
Since 2011, Romero had been serving as the representative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of El Salvador in the Technical Committee of the National Council for Comprehensive Attention to Persons with Disabilities (CONAIPD). Her commitment to her work and achievements were widely acknowledged, leading to her recognition in national and international media. Noteworthy mentions include coverage on the American network Univision, the evangelical Christian television show The 700 Club, and the British network ITV.
In addition to her contributions in public service, Eeileen Romero decided to pursue a career in politics. At the end of 2017, she announced her candidacy for the national post of deputy for the legislative and municipal elections. In the elections held on 4 March 2018, she gathered significant support, receiving a total of 20,718 votes. As a deputy, Romero played a crucial role in the election of magistrates, prosecutors, and the smooth transition of government. She diligently analyzed, studied, and provided her expert opinions on matters brought before legislative commissions.
Eeileen Romero’s life and career exemplify the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite being born with a rare medical condition and enduring societal challenges, Romero broke barriers and became a respected lawyer, politician, and advocate for people with disabilities. Her unwavering commitment to public service and her positive impact on society have left an indelible mark on El Salvador.