Gaylon Alcaraz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gaylon Alcaraz
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | October 26, 1966 |
| Alma mater | DePaul University |
| Occupation |
|
| Movement | Reproductive rights, affordable housing, LGBT rights, women's rights, economic justice |
Gaylon Alcaraz was born on October 26, 1966. She is an American community organizer and human rights activist from Chicago, Illinois. This means she works to help people in her community and fights for their rights. She used to be the leader of the Chicago ... Fund. Gaylon also wrote a book about her life called Tales of a Woojiehead in 2002.
Her Education
Gaylon Alcaraz went to DePaul University. She earned both her first degree and her advanced degree there. Later, she studied for a year at Roosevelt University. She was working towards a special degree called a Doctorate of Education. Currently, she is studying at National Louis University. She is working to get her Ph.D. in community psychology. This field helps people understand how communities work.
Her Work and Activism
In 1997, Gaylon Alcaraz helped start Affinity Community Services. This group helps black lesbian and bisexual women develop leadership skills. In 2011, she joined the board of directors for two more groups. These were the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and the Midwest Access Project. These groups work to help young people and improve health access.
Awards and Recognition
Gaylon Alcaraz has received many awards for her important work. Here are some of them:
- The Chicago Reader Newspaper - The People Issue - "The Activist" - December 2014
- SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective - Women Warrior - November 2014
- City of Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame - Inductee - 2013
- NYU Wagner Research Center for Leadership in Action - IGNITE Fellowship - Women of Color in the Social Sector - 2013
- National Organization for Women - Women Who Dared - 2012
- Chicago Foundation for Women - Impact Awards - 2010
- Choice USA - Generational Award - 2009
- National Organization for Women (Chicago Suburban Chapter) - Fay Clayton Award - 2008
