Dora María Téllez

A Nicaraguan physician and activist who led revolutionary movements against authoritarian regimes, paving the way for democratic reforms in Central America.

Dora María Téllez, born in 1952, is a Nicaraguan physician and political leader whose activism reshaped Latin America’s political landscape. In the 1970s, she co-founded the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. As Health Minister in the post-revolution government, she implemented groundbreaking healthcare reforms, including free medical care for rural populations. Téllez later broke with the FSLN, advocating for democratic elections and human rights. Her 1990 presidential campaign highlighted transparency and social justice, influencing Nicaragua’s transition to democracy. She later established the Medical Association for Human Rights, linking healthcare access to political accountability. Téllez’s unwavering commitment to democracy and equity has inspired generations of activists across Central America. Her memoir, 《My Fight for Nicaragua’s Future》, details her struggles and vision for a just society.