Silvia Henriquez Recognized as one of RH Reality Check’s “Heroines We Admire”

NLIRH Executive Director Silvia Henriquez was recognized among RH Reality Check’s “Heroines We Admire.” Below are a few snippets from the article. Many of our amazing colleagues in The Reproductive Health and Justice Movements were recognized, as well. Pa’lante!

Fighting for Justice in 2010: Heroines and Heroes We Admire

This year, we asked members of the community of RH Reality Check to share with us–and you–their heroines and heroes for 2010… those people who have worked to promote sexual and reproductive justice, environmental justice, women’s human rights and the rights of LGBT persons. Just to be clear: This was not a contest and we did not intend to “choose” among these amazing people; rather we intended to recognize them all, as they were submitted, by their colleagues.

Below are brief profiles of the people recognized by our colleagues, and the names of those who submitted them. The names appear in alphabetical order. 

We give a special thanks to all the heroines and heroes working for rights and justice everywhere, and thank each of them, whether named here or not.

HEROINES AND HEROES OF 2010

Silvia Henriquez

Silvia Henriquez, executive director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, who has led the only national organization dedicated to Latina reproductive health for the past eight years (she just announced she is stepping down in mid-2011). During her tenure she took NLIRH from a small office in Brooklyn to an organization that is routinely called upon to provide the Latina perspective on reproductive health and justice. On the impact of NLIRH, Silvia writes,

“When we walk the halls of Congress, attend meetings in the White House, speak to an audience of donors or host a briefing for colleagues we not only speak for NLIRH but we bring with us the hundreds of women and families that have written letters to elected officials, organized marches, community forums, cafecitos and become spokes people in their communities. Knowing that NLIRH has played a role in building a Latina movement for reproductive justice is rewarding. We have changed the conversation. I can feel proud that this organization has been relentless in fighting for the needs of our communities and despite a difficult political climate we have not compromised our values. We have developed strength both as a Washington DC inside voice and a voice of protest.” 

Submitted by Andrea Hagelgans