Lillian Wald was born on October 3, 1867 in Cincinnati, Ohio to a middle class German-Jewish family. She grew up in a household that valued education and social justice, instilling in her a strong sense of compassion and a desire to help others.
After completing her education, Wald decided to pursue a career in nursing, a field that was still in its infancy at the time. She studied nursing at the New York Hospital Training School for Nurses, where she learned about the importance of preventive medicine and community health.
Wald's career took a pivotal turn when she began working as a visiting nurse on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was here that she witnessed firsthand the deplorable living conditions of the city's immigrant population, particularly the Jewish immigrants living in overcrowded tenements.
Driven by a sense of duty to help those in need, Wald founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York City in 1893. The settlement provided a wide range of services to the community, including health care, banking, and vocational training. Wald's work at the settlement quickly made her a prominent figure in the public health nursing movement.
Wald's advocacy extended beyond public health issues to encompass broader social justice issues. She was a vocal supporter of women's suffrage and worked closely with other activists, including Alice Paul, to promote women's rights. Wald also fought against racial discrimination and was a tireless advocate for the rights of minorities.
Lillian Wald's contributions to public health, social justice, and women's rights continue to inspire activists and advocates today. Her work laid the foundation for modern public health nursing and her legacy lives on in the many organizations and programs that continue to serve marginalized communities around the world.
Lillian Wald's life and work serve as a reminder of the power of compassion, determination, and activism in creating positive change in the world.