1. Juanita Millender-McDonald was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1996 until her death in 2007, representing California's 37th congressional district, which includes most of South Central Los Angeles and the city of Long Beach, California.
On December 19,2006, Millender-McDonald was named Chairwoman of the House Committee on House Administration for the 110th Congress.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was the first African-American woman to chair the committee.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and of the New Democrat Coalition and was considered a front-runner for the job of Secretary of Transportation if John Kerry had been elected President in 2004.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was educated at Los Angeles Harbor College; at the University of Redlands, from which she received a business degree; and at California State University, Los Angeles, from which she earned a masters in educational administration; and the University of Southern California, from which she completed her doctorate in public administration.
Juanita Millender-McDonald worked as a teacher, a textbook editor, and later as director of a nonprofit organization working for gender issues.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Juanita Millender-McDonald served as a member of the City Council of Carson, California and was a member of the California State Assembly before entering the House.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was first elected to the House in a March 1996 special election to replace Congressman Walter Tucker, who resigned due to corruption charges and was later sentenced to 27 months in prison.
Juanita Millender-McDonald worked to aid victims of genocide and human trafficking.
Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald's seat was vacant until Laura Richardson won the August 21,2007, special election.