[2] In 1903, at the age of thirteen, she emigrated to the United States, Harlem, New York, with her parents, Pauline and Thomas Doyle and received American citizenship in 1917.

One of the major social changes led by Staupers and what she is known for today is playing a crucial role in the desegregation of the military's nursing corps during World War II.

[5] During World War II, Staupers assembled support and fought to stop the usage of quotas in the military.

[6] It was the first and one of the few in-patient centers founded to care for African Americans who had tuberculosis,[6] at a time when other hospitals refused black medical experts privileges or staffing positions.

[6] She used her influence and management skills and became executive secretary of the Harlem Committee of the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association,[6] a position she held for twelve years.