Elena Torres — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Leading Mexican revolutionary, feminist, progressive educator, and writer.
Founded the Mexican Feminist Council in 1919, campaigning for better social and economic conditions for women and the right to vote.
Devoted efforts to improving education in Mexico, especially training primary school teachers in rural areas.
Participated on behalf of the Liga Central de Resistencia at the first meeting of the Yucatán Socialist Party in Mérida in 1917.
Became principal of the Guanajuato State Normal School in 1912.
Represented the Mexican Feminist Council at the 1922 League of Women Voters convention in Baltimore.
Wrote articles opposing the Porfiriato regime from 1909.

Biography

Elena Torres Cuéllar was born on June 3, 1893, in Mineral de Mellado, Guanajuato. She graduated from public schools and attended night classes at the Guanajuato State Normal School, working at a mine hospital during the day. After studying accounting, typing, and drawing, Torres graduated in 1912 and became principal of the Normal School. She also taught at the Silao Elementary School and the Casa del Obrero Mundial, an anarchist-union organization.