The Latino Studies Research Initiative (LSRI) is pleased to announce a new digital feature on the life and legacy of Professor Emerita Hilda Hidalgo. A pioneer in civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ activism, Hidalgo was a long-serving Rutgers faculty member and co-founder of several influential community organizations in Newark, including Aspira Inc. of New Jersey, La Casa de Don Pedro, and the Puerto Rican Congress.
Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and arriving in Newark in 1960, Hidalgo dedicated her career to public service, education, and advocacy. At Rutgers, she served in key leadership roles in bilingual education and public administration, helping establish pathways for Hispanic and bilingual students. Her work extended far beyond the classroom, as she was also a force in state and local politics and a mentor to generations of students and activists.
The new LSRI page includes a biography, links to archival materials, and a forthcoming transcription of her oral history. Hidalgo’s tireless advocacy earned her numerous honors, including the Rutgers Presidential Award for Public Service and recognition as one of “50 American Heroines” by Ladies Home Journal.