Evelyn Vázquez Nieves is a Puerto Rican politician and Senator. She has been a member of the Senate of Puerto Rico since 2008. Early years and studies Evelyn Vázquez was born in the town of Isabela, Puerto Rico. Vázquez obtained her bachelor's degree in administration from the University of Puerto Rico - Guayama Campus. She then obtained her master's degree from Phoenix University. Vázquez also completed courses towards a Ph.D. and reached the ABD stage at LoreNNN University. Modeling and acting career Vázquez started modeling in 1986. She has participated in several beauty pageants locally and internationally, winning some of them like Mrs. Puerto Rico, Elegant Lady of Puerto Rico, MS American Woman of Puerto Rico 2002. She also participated in pageants like MS American Woman 2000, Miss Latin Look Latina PR, and Miss. Fashion Model PR. Vázquez claims she appeared in musical videos from Salsa singer Tito Nieves and reggaeton singer Andy Andy. She also said she had an appearance in Daddy Yankee's film Talento de Barrio in 2008. On September 18, 2001, Vázquez posed in a swimsuit for "El Bombón de Así", a popular centerfold of newspaper Primera Hora. Professional career Vázquez began her professional career in 1989 as Director of Isabela's Center for the Elderly. She also worked as Night Director at Benedict School, a school specialized in language, tourism, and hotels, until 1993. She created and managed Isabela's Office of Tourism from 1995 to 2000. In 2001, she founded D'Queens Institute, an art and talent school in Isabela. Political career Vázquez participated in the primaries for New Progressive Party senator for the Mayagüez-Aguadilla district celebrated on March 9, 2008. She won a slot for the elections, arriving in second place, with around 600 votes over incumbent senator Carlos Pagán. At the 2008 general elections, Vázquez was elected as senator becoming the first female senator of the Mayagüez-Aguadilla district in the history of Puerto Rico. On October 4, 2011, Vázquez was involved in a live argument with political commentator, Jay Fonseca, during an interview. During the interview, Fonseca accused Vázquez of using the slogan of a non-profit foundation for her political agenda, and called her a "bad example to the women of Puerto Rico, for previously being a pole dancer." Vázquez said she planned to start legal action against Fonseca for defamation. On October 20, 2011, Vázquez said that Fonseca had sent her a letter asking her