Dolores Huerta is a renowned labor leader, civil rights activist, and feminist who has spent over six decades as a champion for the rights of farmworkers, women, and marginalized communities. She is best known as the co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union and for coining the rallying cry "Sí, se puede" ("Yes, we can").
Her activism focuses on the following areas:
- Labor Rights and Farmworkers: She played a critical role in securing better wages, safer working conditions (including reducing harmful pesticide exposure), and benefits for farmworkers, negotiating historic contracts in the 1960s and 70s.
- Civil Rights and Social Justice: She has worked to end discrimination against Latinos and immigrants, advocating for voting rights, education reform, and improved infrastructure in underserved communities.
- Women's Rights and Empowerment: Huerta has been a champion for gender equality, leading campaigns to encourage Latinas to run for political office and advocating for reproductive freedom.
- Grassroots Organizing: Through the Dolores Huerta Foundation (founded in 2003), she continues to organize communities and train new leaders in civic engagement.
For her life’s work, Huerta was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.