Concha Meléndez

• Name — Concha Meléndez • Born — January 21, 1895 • Birthplace — Caguas, Puerto Rico • Died — June 26, 1983 • Place of death — San Juan, Puerto Rico • Occupation — * Poet • writer • educator • Awards — Puerto Rican Academy of Languages; Medal of Literature; Award of Honor

Meléndez was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, where she received her primary and secondary education. After graduating from high school she enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico where she earned her teacher's certificate. Meléndez taught at the university's high school while she continued to pursue her University studies. In 1924, she received her bachelor's degree and soon after went to New York City where she obtained her master's degree in 1926 from Columbia University. She returned to Puerto Rico where she became a professor at the University of Puerto Rico. Meléndez later went to Mexico where she enrolled in the National University of Mexico (UNAM). In 1932, she became the first woman in the history of Mexico to earn a Doctorate in philosophy and letters.

Melendez's works have been compiled into 15 volumes by the Editorial Cultural. Amongst these are: • "Amado Nervo", • "La Inquietud Sosegada: Poética de Evaristo Ribera Chevremont", • "Various Hispanic-American Poets", • "The Act of Storytelling in Puerto Rico", • "Signs from Iberoamerica", • "Entrance in Peru", • "Figuration of Puerto Rico and other studies", • "Jose de Diego in my Memory", • "Hispanic-American Literature", • "Words for Listeners", • "People and Books", • "Fiction Literature in Puerto Rico", • "Poetry in Alfonso Reyes" and • "Indian Novel in Hispanic-America".