Rebecca Reyes Oral History Interview, 2024

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Summary

Creator:
Reyes, Rebecca
Abstract:
Rebecca Reyes, a social worker, had her journey shaped by her vibrant Hispanic heritage and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Reyes witnessed, firsthand, the challenges faced by marginalized groups, fueling her passion for social change from an early age. Raised in a Presbyterian household, she learned the values of compassion, service, and the importance of education, instilled in her by her family. In 1979, Reyes made history as the first Hispanic woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church, a monumental achievement that marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to social justice. Reyes' career spanned working with the Presbyterian Church to serving as a campus minister at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and, in 2000, she played a pivotal role in establishing Latino Health Services at Duke University, recognizing the urgent need for culturally competent healthcare for immigrant communities. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on January 25, 2024 by Fiorella Orozco as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project. In the interview, Reyes explores her early life and career, and her role as an activist and social worker at Duke Health. The themes of this interview include heath disparities, community outreach, social work, and Latino health.
Extent:
1 interview (1 transcript) and 1.53 GB
Collection ID:
OH.REYESR

Background

Scope and content:

Includes 1 oral history interview with Rebecca Reyes conducted on January 25, 2024 by Fiorella Orozco as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project.

In the January 25, 2024 interview, Reyes explores her early life and career, and her role as an activist and social worker at Duke Health. The themes of this interview include heath disparities, community outreach, social work, and Latino health.

Biographical / historical:

Rebecca Reyes stands as a beacon of change, an advocate for social justice, and a pioneer in healthcare equity. Born in San Bernardino, California, Reyes' journey was shaped by her vibrant Hispanic heritage and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Growing up in a tight-knit Latino household, Reyes witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized groups, fueling her passion for social change from an early age. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, she learned the values of compassion, service, and the importance of education, instilled in her by her family.

In 1979, Reyes made history as the first Hispanic woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church, a monumental achievement that marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to social justice. Her grandmother's words, urging her to transcend the confines of traditional religious spaces, resonated deeply with Reyes, shaping her approach to advocacy and community work. Reyes states, "In terms of my work, spiritually was never to be confined inside the walls of a church. It was always to be transcended."

Equipped with a bachelor's degree in biology and mathematics, Reyes initially pursued a career in teaching before finding her true calling in social work. Inspired by her experiences and a desire to address systemic inequalities, she obtained a Master of Social Work. Reyes' career took her to various roles, from working with the Presbyterian Church to serving as a campus minister at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2000, she played a pivotal role in establishing Latino Health Services at Duke University, recognizing the urgent need for culturally competent healthcare for immigrant communities.

Throughout her career, Reyes faced numerous challenges, from systemic barriers to entrenched stereotypes and misconceptions. Yet, she never wavered in her resolve to advocate for those in need. Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on countless lives, transforming healthcare outcomes and fostering inclusivity within communities.

Beyond her work in healthcare, Reyes actively participated in various community boards and committees, championing cross-cultural dialogue and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of community life. Her unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and service serves as an inspiration to all who strive for positive change. Reflecting on her remarkable career, she aspires, "to make a difference in bringing voice to those that don't have voice or surfacing gaps in our systems."

Acquisition information:
Accession A2024.062 (transferred by Rebecca Williams, May 2024)
Processing information:

Processed by Lucy Waldrop: September 2024

Arrangement:
Organized into the following series: Interview, January 25, 2024.
Rules or conventions:
DACS

Subjects

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Personal Name(s):
Reyes, Rebecca
Corporate Name(s):
Duke University. Medical Center
Topical Term(s):
Social Workers.
Patient Advocacy.
Health Education.
Clergy.

Contents

Using These Materials

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Restrictions:

None.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Rebecca Reyes Oral History Interview, Duke University Medical Center Archives.