Irene Natividad

Irene Natividad works on helping women around the world.

Early life

Natividad was born in 1948 in the Philippines. In Natividad’s early life, she and her family spent a lot of time moving. She traveled to Japan, Iran, Greece, and India and learned many languages, including Spanish, French, Tagalong, Farsi, Italian and Greek. By traveling, she saw how women were treated all over. Her mother never had a job because she was not allowed to work. Her mother told her to become a great student so she could get a job, unlike her.

Education

Natividad went to many different schools as a child. The schools were all around the world. Her high school was in Greece. She went to Long Island University after high school. Then she went to Columbia University. She was given two degrees there. The degrees were for Philosophy and American Literature. Natividad also went to Marymount College

Career

Natividad led the National Women's Political Caucus. She often writes and talks about her opinion on many topics. In 1992 she became leader of the Global Forum for Women. The Global Forum for Women comes up with ideas to try and help issues with women. She joined other people to start Project Vote Smart. They try to get more votes for education. She became the chair of the Women’s Votes ‘96.

Awards

Asian American Quarterly (1994): “Power Brokers: The 25 Most Influential People in Asian America”

Campaigns and Elections Magazine (1993) “Seventy-four Women Who Are Changing American Politics"

The National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (1989) “Women of Distinction Award”

Ladies’ Home Journal (1989) “100 Most Powerful Women in America”

Women’s Funding Coalition (1987) “Innovator for Women$hare Award”

Americans by Choice (1986) “Honored Americans Award”

Women’s Congressional Caucus  (1985) “Women Making History Award

Personal life

Natividad now lives in Washington DC. She is married to Andres Cortese. They have one son. His name is Carlo Natividad-Cortese.