Marta Tienda sees life stories in numbers. She is a sociologist, a scientist who studies human society. Numbers are the tools she uses to uncover fascinating information about people and their behavior. To Marta, these numbers hold important clues about why some people have more than others, like a better job, a college education, or a nicer house.
As the daughter of an illegal Mexican immigrant, Marta understands the pain of growing up poor. When her family had to pick crops to earn money, Marta saw firsthand the tough conditions that migrant workers had to endure. It was an experience she would never forget. Marta vowed to use her creativity, strong spirit, and positive attitude to empower those who are less fortunate. Today Marta’s expertise is helping government leaders create equal opportunities for millions of people.
People Person is the fascinating story of a scientist and her science. To tell this true tale of determination and success, author Diane O’Connell drew on first-person accounts from Marta and her friends, family, and colleagues. How did a Mexican American girl raised in a home without books grow up to be one of the world’s leading sociologists? The life story of Marta Tienda will intrigue and inspire readers of all ages.
