Throughout a career spanning five decades, Dr. Hilda Richards has consistently broken barriers and forged historic change, specifically in the fields of nursing and higher learning. Over the years, at numerous institutions and organizations, she has been dedicated to expanding what we refer to today as diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Born in 1936 in St. Joseph, Missouri, Hilda was inspired early on by her mother’s belief in the value of education. Nursing school was the first step in a trajectory that eventually included earning two master’s degrees (in health administration and psychiatric nursing) and a doctorate in education from Columbia University. Among many other accomplishments, Hilda helped create the nursing program at Medgar Evers College of Brooklyn in 1972, where she became chair of the health sciences division. This opened the door for her leadership roles in academic administration as dean, provost, and chancelor—often as the first Black woman ever to hold her position.

In this episode, Dr. Hilda Richards talks about her inspiring life which includes time spent with Virginia Satir.