Born: 1955 (Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Biography:
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén is an Afro-Puerto Rican attorney, feminist, and human rights activist. Born on March 13, 1955, in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, she grew up in a family of educators. Her parents, Ana Irma Lassén and Eladio Rivera Quiñones, instilled in her a deep passion for education and social justice from a young age.
At the age of sixteen, Rivera Lassén became involved with feminism and joined the Comité de Mujeres Puertorriqueñas (Puerto Rican Women’s Committee). In 1972, she helped found the Mujer Integrate Ahora (MIA) organization, which aimed to advance women’s rights and equality. This early involvement in feminist activism laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Rivera Lassén attended the Juan José Osuna de Hato Rey High School in San Juan before pursuing Hispanic studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus in 1971. However, she soon found herself drawn to a different path and switched her major to general humanities. In 1974, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to obtain her law degree from the same university.
Throughout her career, Rivera Lassén has been at the forefront of championing human rights and fighting against discrimination. In 1974, she co-founded the feminist publication El tacón de la chancleta (The Heel of the Flip-Flop), which served as the organ of the Mujer Integrate Ahora organization. She also contributed essays, poems, and articles to various publications, including Avance, La Hora, Luna Nueva, and Poemario de la mujer puertorriqueña.
Recognized for her expertise and dedication to legal advocacy, Rivera Lassén served as the head of the Bar Association of Puerto Rico from 2012 to 2014. During her tenure, she became the first black woman and the third female to hold this position. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing the rights of marginalized communities and promoting gender equality within the legal profession.
In addition to her legal career and activism, Rivera Lassén has made significant contributions to academia. She serves on the faculty of several universities in Puerto Rico and is widely respected for her expertise in human rights law. She currently holds a position on the Advisory Committee on Access to Justice of the Puerto Rican Judicial Branch, where she continues to advocate for equal access to justice for all.
Rivera Lassén’s impact and dedication to social justice and women’s rights have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. She has received the Capetillo-Roqué Medal from the Puerto Rican Senate, the Martin Luther King/Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Prize, and the Nilita Vientós Gastón Medal, among others. These accolades reflect her significant contributions to advancing equality and justice in Puerto Rican society.
As an openly lesbian woman of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, Rivera Lassén has been a trailblazer in breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity have made her an inspiration to many, especially women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through her work, she has demonstrated that true progress can only be achieved by empowering and uplifting the voices of all marginalized communities.
Ana Irma Rivera Lassén’s impact on society as a legal advocate, feminist, and human rights activist cannot be overstated. Her relentless efforts to advance gender equality, fight discrimination, and promote social justice have made her a true champion of women’s rights. Through her leadership and activism, she has paved the way for future generations to continue the important work of creating a more just and inclusive society.
Awards:
– Capetillo-Roqué Medal from the Puerto Rican Senate
– Martin Luther King/Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Prize
– Nilita Vientós Gastón Medal