Helen Strow graduated with a B.S. degree in home economics in 1925 from Ohio State University and received a M.S. in textiles and clothing in 1931. Strow spent the years before World War II as a high school teacher and then as an extension specialist in Michigan.

With the outbreak of war, she focused her efforts on international home economics. During the war, Strow volunteered for the American Red Cross in England serving as a club director for the soldiers. When World War II ended, she acted as a home economics consultant in Germany and also helped with the Marshall Plan, the United States' first international development assistance program.

Helen Strow had the opportunity to observe and contribute to home economics educational programs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. From 1956 to 1974, she served as an international extension specialist for the Federal Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture, completing special assignments in many developing countries. Strow continued her work from 1976 to 1989 when she served with the International Programs and the International Section of the American Home Economics Association.