Gelien Perez

Gelien Perez is a Cuban-American who immigrated to the United States at age three and was raised in Hialeah, Florida, where she attended local public schools and graduated from Hialeah Senior High School. She earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees from St. Thomas University in Criminal Justice and English Professional Writing, a Master of Professional Studies in Executive Management from St. Thomas University, a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Florida International University, and a Juris Master in Compliance with a Healthcare Compliance concentration from FIU College of Law. She began her career with the City of Hialeah in 2010 as a college intern in the Mayor's Office and over more than 11 years of municipal service rose through various roles including positions in the City Clerk's Office, Grants and Human Services Department, and ultimately served as Human Resources Director for eight years. She was elected to the Hialeah City Council, representing her lifelong home community.

A Hialeah City Council Member serves as part of the city's legislative body, responsible for enacting ordinances, approving the municipal budget, setting tax rates, and overseeing city operations. Council members represent the interests of Hialeah residents, vote on land use and zoning matters, confirm appointments, and provide policy direction for city departments and services.