Dolores Huerta was a leader whose unwavering commitment to justice helped shape generations of changemakers. Her life’s work went far beyond the farmworker movement. She fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, immigrant rights, women’s equality, voting rights, environmental justice, and the dignity of working-class communities. She reminded us that our voices matter and that meaningful change happens when we stand juntos.
At Latino Outdoors, we recognize that the fight for equity, access, and representation extends into every space, including nature. Making outdoor spaces more inclusive is also part of a larger movement for environmental and social justice.
Dolores touched the lives of so many in our comunidad and influenced their work. Her spirit lives on in the organizers, advocates, outdoor leaders, and educators who continue con la lucha. At Latino Outdoors, her words, sí, se puede will continue to be a reminder of what’s possible when we believe in our collective power.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the movement she helped build and the countless lives she inspired. Here are some mensajitos left for her by members of our comunidad as we honor and carry forward her legacy.
¡Gracias, Dolores! Your fight continues through all of us.
“Dolores Huerta was the perfect person with the perfect name for her life’s cause: fighting for farmworkers and against the painful difficulties they faced in our country’s orchards and fields. Of course, she was a champion who transcended being a labor leader. Throughout her long, awe-inspiring life, Dolores lived and breathed three core values we hold dear at Latino Outdoors: comunidad, service, and access. She epitomized leadership and courage in ways that were both front-facing and unseen, putting personal pain aside and the cause first as few people do or can. When thinking about leaders worthy of admiration, I will always put Dolores Huerta, with her deep commitment and selfless tenacity, at the top. ¡Mil gracias Dolores!“
– Luis Villa, LO Executive Director
“In 2023, Dolores Huerta spoke at the Poderoso Awards, a virtual event hosted by Somos el Poder honoring Latino philanthropists. In her speech, she reminisced about fundraising for the United Farm Workers union in its earliest days by asking its members, who were only making $.70 an hour for $3.50 in monthly dues. She explained that she found the “ask” to be difficult, so she shifted her mindset to focus on how a well-funded union could demand the changes necessary to improve the lives of farm workers. Ordinary people have the power to fundraise to sustain the organizations and change they believe in. She went on to say, ‘We need to make people understand that they have the power to organize. They have the power to vote and that they have the power to raise the necessary funds needed to sustain [our cause].’
This short speech changed my approach to development work. Dolores Huerta gave me permission to be more bold with my ask. She underscored for me how fundraising is the backbone of movement building. As a result, I will talk to anyone about Latino Outdoors and have no hesitation asking ordinary people, foundations, corporations, or philanthropists for the funds to sustain our work as community builders expanding outdoor access, investing in outdoor leadership, and broadening outdoor narratives. Our mission is worth the ask. Dolores told me so.”
– Vanessa Herrera, LO Development Director
“Dolores, gracias for inspiring me to fight for what is right. For teaching me to be an advocate for my community, mi gente, and for our lands and water we call home here in the Central Valley. Thank you for advocating for survivors and their stories before passing, a brave and beautiful act of solidarity that many don’t get to do in this lifetime. May you always be remembered for all the best work you have done. Gracias for being the example that we can fight till the very end. Sí se puede.“
-Adriana Becerra, LO Fresno Outings Leader
“Dolores Huerta’s legacy is that change begins with community, with people who care enough to show up, speak up, and make space for others. In many ways, I see those same values reflected in my journey with Latino Outdoors. Dolores reminds me that the work we do today can create opportunities for generations we may never even meet. And that’s something I hope to continue carrying in my own work and in life.”
-Josie Gutierrez, LO Texas Regional Coordinator
“In 2023, I was invited to join Green Latinos’ quinceañera in Washington, D.C., where Dolores Huerta was the guest of honor. We were all moved by her memorable speech, which ended in a collective sí, se puede, but that was not the moment that stuck with me. Despite being in a room where everyone’s work was directly connected to hers, Dolores Huerta did not miss the opportunity to dance. She danced and conversed with all who came up to her despite the loud music. I remember thinking, “This is where the magic happens.” Those moments of personal connection while honoring our cultura are reminders que juntos, sí, se puede.“
-Luisa Vargas, LO Communications Co-Lead
