(born 1948) Award-winning Chicana author, activist, teacher, actor, Chavez is the author and editor of numerous novels and collections of poetry, short stories and drama. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Theater from New Mexico State University in 1974, a Master’s degree in Theater from Trinity University and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of New Mexico. In addition to writing, Chavez teaches, performs and organizes in southern New Mexico. Her emphasis on strong women and good storytelling appear in her best-known works Face of an Angel and The Last of the Menu Girls.