Whether as a leader in economic development, a pioneer in court reform, a champion of Public Housing or an advocate for fair housing, Díaz never stopped fighting for fairness. A trailblazer, he became the first Puerto Rican Attorney and Judge in Pennsylvania; the first Puerto Rican White House fellows; the first minority General Counsel at HUD; Partner in a major law firm and Corporate Board Director for Fortune 100 companies. Although he was the first, he never wanted to be the last. This story—of an outsider who struggled his way to the inside—offers powerful lessons on finding a place in the world by creating spaces where everyone is welcome.
Nelson A. Díaz is a lifelong advocate for civil and human rights and a champion of economic development and housing reform. The Judge reformed the Philadelphia Court system never to be backlogged again. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sara Manzano-Diaz.