Information provided by the Lationo Coalition of San Benito County. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The Latino Coalition of San Benito County is proud to announce that legendary
labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta will attend the Annual Visionary Women’s Luncheon scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Hollister. The luncheon will include a Silent Auction and the return of the “Womens Clothing Rainbow Rack” which features new and gently used women’s clothing displayed on racks by color. Clothing will be complimentary to any woman wishing to take a clothing item(s).
The Annual Visionary Women’s Luncheon returns this year with a historic Guest of Honor: Dolores Huerta, renowned civil rights leader, labor organizer and co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren will also be in attendance.
Hosted by the Latino Coalition of San Benito County, the luncheon honors women who lead, inspire, uplift and empower their communities through service, sustained impact of advocacy and an unwavering force through leadership. Huerta’s appearance marks a monumental and historic moment for San Benito County, as the event welcomes one of the most influential change makers of our time.
“Dolores Huerta embodies everything the Visionary Women’s Luncheon stands for — “courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice.” “Her presence is not only an honor but a call toaction for the next generation of leaders”, said Ruth Hermosillo, Chairwoman for the Latino Coalition’s Women Committee.
At 95 years old, Huerta continues her legacy as President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, championing grassroots organizing and leadership development in underserved communities. Herdecades-long advocacy spans issues including education, health equity, economic justice and environmental sustainability.
Widely recognized for her lifelong dedication to civil rights, Huerta is best known for her steadfast and groundbreaking work in securing protections for farmworkers, women and immigrant communities.
This year’s luncheon event promises to be a deeply meaningful celebration of community leadership, resilience and the enduring power of activism through the lasting legacy of social movements.
As part of the program, three local women leaders will be recognized for their exceptional
contributions to San Benito County:
- Carla Torres de Luna, Community Advocate
- Lupe Valdez, Co-Founder, El Teatro Campesino
- Patricia Salcedo, Victim Witness Public Servant for San Benito County
The event will be emceed by Esmeralda Montenegro Owen, with special guests including the Honorable Betty Yee, Former State Controller, Alex Gallardo Rooker (former VP CA Democratic Party), Alma Martinez (Actress-Zoot Suit) and other community leaders.
Tickets are available for $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight and may be purchased via Zelle at: latinocoalitionofsanbenitoco@gmail.com
For more information, please contact the Latino Coalition of San Benito County at the email address above or persons listed on this release.
Contact:
Veronica Lezama- 831-245-6971
Media, Latino Coalition of San Benito County
veronicalezama1@gmail.com
Ruth Hermosillo -831-596-2914
Mickie Luna, vmluna@sbcglobal.net
2025 ABOUT OUR HONOREES
PATRICIA SALCEDO
Patricia is a first-generation Mexican American and the first in her family to attend
university . Ms Salcedo draws inspiration from her parents, Rafael and Lupe Salcedo
whom she remembers with deep love and admiration. Their example instilled in her a
passion for service, justice and uplifting others. She studied at Gavilan College and
went on to attend UCLA earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters in
Public Administration from San Jose State. For nearly 25 years, Ms Salcedo has been a
compassionate and steadfast public servant, specializing in public health, emergency
preparedness and social services. Patricia currently serves as a Mentor in the
Internship program through California State University Monterey Bay. She has served
as program Manager for the Victim Witness Assistance rights, including crimes against
women and children. Her leadership has not only transformed policies but also
empowered countless women and underserved populations to stand up for their rights.
CARLA TORRES DE LUNA
Carla is the proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. She is a product of our
local elementary schools and a graduate of Hollister High School. She was accepted to
and attended CAL Berkeley where she doubled majored in Chicano studies and
Psychology…. She then went on to receive her Masters degree from San Jose State
University. Carla has over 20 years experience as a community advocate. She has
worked in community based organizations however most of her career has been with
the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services. She was also
recently appointed to the Hollister Planning Commission by Hollister Mayor Roxanne
Stephens. Her advocacy for people of color and those of oppressed groups has been
her passion and dedication and has remained steadfast in every aspect of her
community and social work. By continuing her involvement in organizations like the
Latino Coalition of San Benito County she remains poised to continue to pay it forward
to our immigrant community & Youth in San Benito County.
LUPE VALDEZ
Lupe Valdez: Producer, Actor, Screenwriter and Costume Designer One of the founding
members of El Teatro Campesino, Lupe Valdez has been a key participant in the
evolution of Chicano film and theatre for over fifty years. A member of the Writers Guild
of America since 1992 she co-wrote screenplays and as a four decade member of the
El Teatro Campesino Board of Directors she naturally segued into her behind the
scenes role as producer, playing a key role in developing, fundraising, budgeting and
promoting El Teatro’s productions over the years. Additionally Lupe has served as El
Teatro Campesino resident costume designer since 2000. With a notable list of
productions, documentaries & screenplays to her name she has worked tirelessly
alongside her Son Kinan Valdez and husband Luis Valdez on many sets over the years.
Lupe has been married to playwright Luis Valdez since 1969 and is the proud mother of
their three sons, Anahuac, Kinan and Lakin.