1884 – Maria Cadilla de Martinez, Puerto Rican writer, educator and women’s rights activist, one of the first women from Puerto Rico to earn a doctorate.
Dr. María Cadilla Colón (December 21, 1884 – August 23, 1951). In 1902, she graduated from high school and enrolled in the University of Puerto Rico. She earned her Doctorates Degree in 1933 with the thesis “La Poesia Popular de Puerto Rico” (The Popular Poetry of Puerto Rico). Cadilla was also a women’s rights activist. She belonged to the Civic League of Puerto Rico and the Association of Women Voters. As a member of these organizations, she fought for women’s right to vote. Cadilla died on August 23, 1951 in her hometown Arecibo.
