Civil Rights Figures: Alice Cardona, 1930-2011

Born New York City 1930 to Puerto Rican parents, Alice Cardona spent the rest of her life advocating women’s and Latino’s rights. She began her career providing psychological support to Blacks and Latinos, later moving on to become a youth counselor helping those in need achieve their goals through education.

From there Cardona kept going and in her lifetime she also co-founded HACER/Hispanic Women’s Center and was the assistant director of the New York State Division for Women, utilizing her position to advocate for bilingual education and women.

After retiring in 1995 she participated in several organizations including the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (PRACA); Atrévete, a group dedicated to voter registration and political participation, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the National Association for Bilingual Education, and the Puerto Rican Educators Association.

According to her obituary from the National Institute for Latino Policy:

Cardona is the author of the book Puerto Rican Women Achievers in New York City and was the first Latina to receive the Susan B. Anthony Prize, awarded to her in 1983 by the National Organization for Women, the largest feminist organization in the country. She was also recognized with many other awards for her community service, particularly for her work with women, children, and bilingual education.

Cardona’s passing away from cancer on November 1 marks a loss for Puerto Ricans and any Latino who strives for equality, but her life and dedication serve as an inspiration to all.