8 Unsung Latina Activists You Should Know About

Jovita Idar (1885–1946)

Imagine being a woman of color in the early 1900s, fighting for both Mexican-American and women’s rights. That was Jovita Idar, a Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist. She used her platform to speak up for the Mexican-American community, who were often treated unfairly and marginalized. But she didn’t stop there—Jovita knew that change started with education, so she founded the League of Mexican Women to focus on providing schooling for children. This wasn’t just about learning ABCs; it was about empowering the next generation to break the cycle of discrimination. And when it came to women’s rights, Jovita was all in, pushing for the vote and the recognition women deserved. Her bravery and activism laid the groundwork for future Latina advocates.

Luisa Moreno (1907–1992)

Luisa Moreno was a force to be reckoned with in the labor movement. Born in Guatemala, she moved to the U.S. and quickly became a key figure in organizing Latine workers, especially those exploited in low-wage industries like canneries and agriculture. What’s really impressive is how she united workers from all kinds of backgrounds—Latinos, African-Americans, Filipinos, and others—under a common cause: better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. She wasn’t just fighting for fair pay; she was advocating for dignity and respect for people often overlooked by society. Luisa’s work helped bring attention to the struggles of Latine workers and ensured that their voices were heard in the broader labor movement.

Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías (1929–2001)

Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías broke so many barriers in healthcare that it’s hard to count them all. As the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association, she was determined to make healthcare more accessible for marginalized communities, particularly women and children. She worked on expanding public health services for those who needed it most—low-income families, immigrants, and people of color. But perhaps her most impactful work was her campaign against forced sterilizations, which were shockingly common in Puerto Rico and the U.S. in the 1970s, especially among women of color. Dr. Rodríguez Trías stood up for women’s rights to control their bodies and ensured their voices were heard in healthcare policies.

Felicitas Méndez (1916–1998)

In the 1940s, long before the famous Brown v. Board of Education case, Felicitas Méndez and her husband, Gonzalo, stood up to school segregation in California. Their children were barred from attending a “whites-only” school, and Felicitas decided enough was enough. She fought back, filing a lawsuit known as Méndez v. Westminster. And guess what? They won. This case paved the way for the eventual desegregation of schools in California and set a precedent for the national fight against segregated schools in the U.S. Felicitas was a true trailblazer, fighting not just for her children but for the future of all Latino children.

María Amparo Ruiz de Burton (1832–1895)

María Amparo Ruiz de Burton was the first Mexican-American woman to publish fiction novels in English, which was groundbreaking in itself. Her works, though fictional, gave readers an inside look at the lives of Mexican-Americans after the U.S.-Mexican War. Ruiz de Burton didn’t hold back in her critiques of American society and how it treated Mexicans and other minorities. Her novel “Who Would Have Thought It?” offered a sharp and witty critique of racism, imperialism, and the social inequalities of her time. She was unafraid to speak out against the injustices that came from the war and its aftermath, making her one of the earliest voices to challenge how history remembers this period.

Julia de Burgos (1914–1953)

Julia de Burgos was a poet who used her words to push for social justice, women’s rights, and Puerto Rican independence. Her poetry spoke to the struggles of identity and the search for self, but it also highlighted the political and social issues of her time. Through her work, she became a symbol of the fight against colonialism and for women's liberation. Julia’s poetry was ahead of its time—her fearless voice resonated with people struggling to find their place in a world that often wanted to silence them. She continues to inspire poets, activists, and feminists to this day.

Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002)

Sylvia Rivera was a bold, unapologetic voice for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when few others were willing to take up the cause. Of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descent, she was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. But Sylvia’s activism didn’t stop there—she co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to help homeless transgender youth, offering them not just a safe place to stay but also a sense of community and belonging. Sylvia’s advocacy wasn’t always met with appreciation, even within the LGBTQ+ community, but she never stopped fighting for those who were the most marginalized. Today, she’s remembered as a trailblazer in the fight for transgender rights.

Antonia Pantoja (1922–2002)

Antonia Pantoja dedicated her life to empowering Puerto Rican youth in the U.S. Through her organization ASPIRA, she created leadership and educational programs that helped young Latinos succeed academically and professionally. Antonia’s vision was to equip young people with the tools to lead their communities and fight for their rights. Her work helped countless Latino students achieve their dreams, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their fields. Antonia’s legacy continues through ASPIRA, which still operates today, supporting Latino students across the country.

Each of these Latina women was a powerhouse in her own right, making lasting impacts on society. Their stories remind us that history is filled with unsung heroes who deserve to be celebrated just as much as more well-known names.