Helen Rodríguez Trías

Born July 7th, 1929 in NYC

Died 2001

First Latina to be the director of the American Public Health Association (APHA). 

Won the Presidential Citizens Medal (2001) for her advocacy for women, children, the poor and those with HIV and AIDS. 

Co-founder of the Women’s Caucus, she focused on womens’ reproductive rights and for the end to sterilization abuse of women throughout her life.

Has a social justice award named in her honor, which is awarded to those who work toward social justice for underprivileged people.