Sylvia Mendez 70th Anniversary of Historic Civil Rights Case

Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Sylvia Mendez was born in Orange County and attended Orange Coast Community College where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in nursing. She went on to California State University at Los Angeles where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a Certificate in Public Health. In 2012, Sylvia received a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Brooklyn College of The City University of New York.

Sylvia Mendez worked for 33 years as a nurse at the Los Angeles University of Southern California Medical Center. In her final five years of service she held the position of Assistant Nursing Director of the Pediatric Pavilion. She adopted two daughters and has four grandchildren. She spends her retirement traveling abroad. She has visited all 7 continents. Sylvia Mendez enjoys spending time with her family and educating others on the Mendez v Westminster case.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
In 2001, The first Mendez School was dedicated in Santa Ana, CA. Moving ahead to 2004, President George Bush told the Mendez Story during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration in the East room. In 2005, Sylvia was
inducted into the Hall of Fame at Santa Ana College. In 2007, Sylvia was selected as one of the Hot 25 persons in Orange County. In 2010, President Barack Obama mentioned Sylvia during the Women’s History Month speech. In 2011, Sylvia was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. In 2011, Sylvia gave the commencement speech at Fullerton College. Sylvia has also received several Lifetime Achievement awards, and Certificates of Recognition for her efforts to advocate for education.