Henrietta Villaescusa, RN, FAAN, a pioneering Hispanic nurse, dedicated her career to advancing health equity for Latino communities. Through her tireless efforts in government, health care, and community activism, Villaescusa left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire nurses and policymakers today. A new article—just published in Nursing Outlook —written by Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel, Ph.
D., RN, FAAN, and Professor of Nursing Julie Fairman, Ph.D.
, RN, FAAN, examines Villaescusa's career and the factors influencing her impact across government, health, and nursing sectors. Born into a modest family in California, Villaescusa's early life was shaped by the struggles and injustices faced by the Hispanic community that she witnessed as a public health nurse . These experiences ignited a passion for social justice.
Villaescusa was an inaugural leader, only one of a handful of women, in the Community Service Organization (CSO), a precursor to the Chicano Movement. There, she honed her skills in community organizing and advocacy, working tirelessly to address issues such as voting access, housing, education, and health care access. Villaescusa's dedication to public service led her to a distinguished career in government.
She held key positions in the Agency for International Development (AID) and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW), where she championed the cause of Hispanic health. During her tenure, Villaescusa advocated for increased fun.