Graciela Olivarez facts for kids

Graciela Gil Olivárez (born March 9, 1928 – died September 19, 1987) was an amazing American lawyer. She spent her life fighting for civil rights and helping people who were poor. She believed everyone should be treated fairly and have a chance to succeed.

Graciela's family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1944. She left high school early but still found important work. In 1952, she became the director of women's programs at KIFN, a radio station that broadcast in Spanish.

Becoming a Lawyer: A First for Latinas

Graciela Olivárez made history in 1970. She became the very first woman and the first Latina person to graduate from the Notre Dame Law School. This was a huge achievement!

What makes it even more incredible is that she didn't even have a high school diploma. She was working as the Director of the Arizona branch of the federal Office of Economic Opportunity. This organization helped people in need. Because of her great work there, she was offered a special scholarship to law school. Today, the Hispanic Law Students Association at Notre Dame gives an award in her name every year.

Working for Change and Public Service

Graciela Olivárez was very active in public service and worked to make a difference.

Joining Common Cause

In 1971, Graciela was chosen to be on the National Governing Board of Common Cause. This is a group that works to make government more open and fair.

Leading Research and Planning

By 1972, Graciela was appointed director of the University of New Mexico's Institute for Social Research and Development. This role involved studying social issues and finding ways to improve communities. From 1973 to 1975, she taught at the law school. Later, in 1975, she became New Mexico's State Planning Officer. This meant she helped plan for the state's future.

Helping Mexican Americans

Graciela also served as the leader of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. This important group works to protect the civil rights of Mexican Americans. She was one of the first two women to join its board.

Working with President Carter

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter noticed Graciela's hard work. He saw how much she wanted to reduce poverty. He then appointed her as the director of the Community Services Administration. This made her the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in President Carter's government.

Starting Her Own Business

In 1980, Graciela Olivárez left her job with the government. She decided to start her own business called Olivárez Television Company, Incorporated. By 1984, she owned a company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This company offered advice on management and public relations.

See also

In Spanish: Graciela Olivarez para niños