Geoconda Arguello-Kline, a former housekeeper and Nicaraguan refugee, today was named secretary-treasurer of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 of UNITE HERE in Las Vegas. Arguello-Kline is the first Latina leader of the union and will represent 60,000 hotel and restaurant workers. 

Secretary-treasurer is the highest position in the union. Arguello-Kline will replace D. Taylor, who was elected president of UNITE HERE.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports:

Born in Managua, Nicaragua, Arguello-Kline came to the U.S. in 1979 through Miami and moved to Las Vegas in 1983. She worked at Fitzgeralds as a guest room attendant. She became part of the Culinary staff in 1990.

"I'm tremendously honored to take on this position," Arguello-Kline said in a statement. "It is a testament to our diverse and incredible members that has put me here. It is an honor to represent our members every day. We undoubtedly have challenges ahead, but I'm confident that we will overcome them by working as a union."