Lucero, Helen, 1930-2005.

Local minority activist, Helen Lucero was born in Lamy, New Mexico in 1930. After her parents divorced in 1946, she moved with her mother and siblings to Denver, Colo. In order to help support the family, Helen started working at a laundry before becoming the shop steward and recording secretary for the union of a local box factory. Her union work motivated her to become interested in politics and political activism, especially as relates to minority causes. From about 1960 until 1982, Helen worked for a number of city agencies and was also a tireless volunteer on behalf of hispanic minorities. She received numerous commendations and awards for her volunteer work, such as the American Institute of Public Service "Jefferson Award" (1981), "Hispanic Annual Salute" Award (1982), and LARASA's "Founder's Legacy Award" (2004).