Blea, Irene I. (Irene Isabel)

Irene Isabel Blea, sociologist and writer, was born on June 24th, 1946. A native of New Mexico, Blea received her degrees in Colorado. She has held many positions including director of Chicano Studies at Metropolitan State College and the University of New Mexico, as well as Director of the Mexican Institute in Oaxaca and Vera Cruz, Mexico. Her most recent academic appointment was at California State University in Los Angeles. Blea is also a renowned author and poet. Through her writings and poetry, she has advocated for minority rights, feminist ideas, and equality. Her poetry and writings strive to give hope to the oppressed and a voice to the powerless. As an advocate for minority rights, Blea works through professional organizations such as the National Association for Chicano Studies and the Western Social Science Association. Additionally, she is a consultant on issues of multiculturalism, education, and discrimination based on race and gender.

Poet and sociologist. Born ca. 1946 in Colfax County, northern New Mexico; moved to Pueblo, Colorado, as a child. Received Ph.D. from University of Minnesota (1981). Active in National Association for Chicano Studies, serving as an officer and regional representative.

Poet and sociologist.

Born ca. 1946 in Colfax County, northern New Mexico; moved to Pueblo, Colorado, as a child. Received Ph. D. from University of Minnesota (1981). Active in National Association for Chicano Studies, serving as an officer and regional representative.

Irene Blea. Part of the Irene I. Blea Pictorial Collection PICT 000-720.

Irene Isabel Blea, sociologist and writer, was born on June 24th, 1946. A native of New Mexico, Blea was educated in the Pueblo, Colorado district schools. She attended college in Colorado, becoming active in the Chicano Movement. She earned several degrees including an A.A. from the University of Southern Colorado in the field of mental health, and a B.A. in Sociology. Her studies carried her to the University of Colorado, Boulder, were she earned her Ph.D. She has held many positions including Director of Chicano Studies at Metropolitan State College and the University of New Mexico, as well as Director of the Mexican Institute in Oaxaca and Vera Cruz, Mexico. Her most recent academic appointment was at California State University in Los Angeles.

In addition to her impressive educational background Blea is a renowned author and poet. Through her writings and poetry, she has advocated for minority rights, feminist ideas, and equality. Her poetry and writings strive to give hope to the oppressed and a voice to the powerless. As an advocate for minority rights, Blea works through professional organizations such as the National Association for Chicano Studies and the Western Social Science Association. Additionally, she is a consultant on issues of multiculturalism, education, and discrimination based on race and gender.