Plácida García Smith

Plácida García Smith (August 7, 1896 – July 17, 1981) was an American educator, non-profit director, and community organizer. She was the director of the Friendly House in Phoenix, Arizona, where she helped immigrants and Mexican Americans, especially young women.

Early life and education Plácida Elvira García was born on August 7, 1896, in Conejos, Colorado. Her paternal grandfather had founded Conejos and her father had worked as a sheriff and probate. Her mother's family, the Espinosas, had been a politically prominent family in New Mexico. As a child, García observed her father's legal work and was impacted by socio-economic disparities.

After graduating as valedictorian from Loretto Academy in Pueblo, Colorado, and earning her certification to teach second grade, García began teaching.

As the Friendly House director, García Smith also worked with Father Emmet McLoughlin to establish a free clinic for minority women of south Phoenix. They found volunteer staff to provide prenatal and maternity care.

García Smith also helped promote Mexican American culture in Phoenix. In this position, Smith advocated for Mexican Americans in other cities around the United States.

During World War II, Gárcia Smith served on the United Service Organizations' board of directors. In 1945, she volunteered as a social worker with the Gila River War Relocation Center. In this position, she helped former internees rebuild their lives.

García Smith retired from the Friendly House in 1963.

Personal life García married Reginald G. Smith in 1928. That year, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona due to Smith's job. García Smith began working as a substitute teacher in Phoenix. Smith and García Smith had a son together in 1930. Smith died in 1938 of a heart attack, leaving García Smith a single mother.

Plácida Elvira García Smith died July 17, 1981, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Awards

Daughters of the American Revolution award of merit, 1953 Phoenix Advertising Club Phoenix Woman of the Year, 1961 Arizona Women's Hall of Fame, 1982