La Alianza Hispana Honors Luz Lopez

Assistant Professor Luz López has been chosen to receive one of the “Women of Courage” awards given annually by La Alianza Hispana. López will receive the award at an awards ceremony at the Association’s second annual “Women of Courage” event at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts in Boston on Thursday, June 3.

According to La Alianza Hispana, the “Women of Courage” awards recognize women who represent excellence and carry courage, respect, and other esteemed values to their professional fields. Each awardees demonstrates leadership, character, and a passion to advocate on behalf of the Latino community.

“It is a privilege to receive this award for what I love – education,” Lopez said. “Education is the door to opportunities. I wish more doors open for Latinos in our communities and more access to higher education and contributions to public health social work.”

Each year, La Alianza Hispana recognizes a group of exceptional women for their outstanding involvement in one of ten fields: arts, business, education, health, media, philanthropy, law & advocacy, science and technology, lifetime achievement, and in the community.

A nomination committee made of women from the respective areas of professional contribution was asked to nominate a group of women for this award. López was among eleven women chosen by a group of her peers; she was selected due to her outstanding contribution to her community and to the field of education.

López received her bachelor’s of arts in social sciences with a minor of psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, and went on to earn her master’s in social work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. From Tulane University, New Orleans, López received both her master’s degree in international public health and doctoral degree in social work. Her research and practice interests include substance abuse, trauma due to violence, diverse populations, Latino culture, HIV prevention and group work.