Viramontes, Helena María, 1954-

Helena Maria Viramontes was born on February 26, 1954, in East Los Angeles. She grew up in a working class family with eight siblings, three brothers (Gilbert, Frank, and Serafin) and five sisters (Mary Ann, Ruthie, Rebecca, Barbara and Francis). Helena graduated from East Los Angeles' Garfield High School in 1972. She graduated from Immaculate Heart College with a B.A. in English.

Considered one of Hispanic literature's most distinguished craftsperson, Helena Maria Viramontes career began with her work for the avant-garde Chicano magazine "ChismeArte". Assigned as literary editor, she began to develop a style that reflected her understanding and upbringing in the streets of East Los Angeles. Hip, yet polished, her approach imbued her work with credibility and flare.

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