Hollister City councilwomen Mickie Luna was honored Dec. 2 with the Honoris Causa Doctorate from La Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico.
The Honorary Doctorate Degree award is given to people who have been designated as distinguished leaders in the world and are positive examples to society.
“… a woman characterized by compassion and principles in defending human rights, whose work speaks volumes of a constant and arduous dedication to society, our youth and the Mexican community. A former national officer with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and member of numerous community service organizations whose purpose is to promote justice, equality, and the best of opportunities for citizens in her Country and beyond,” said Dora Luz Cortés Gallardo Téllez, director of public relations for the Doctorate Honoris Causa program.
Luna has been an active community volunteer for many years, including a serving on the national board for the the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a national organization that advocates for advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population of the United States. During her time with LULAC, she researched 33 years of city council minutes to help support moving Hollister to district elections to allow for more diverse representation on the city council. The city is currently divided into four districts with an at-large mayor.
Even before her involvement with LULAC, she said she was an active volunteer at the schools her children attended and with local community nonprofits. She was a den mother for a Cub Scout troop, Baler Band Booster Club treasurer, an officer for the Mexican American Committee of Education, a chairperson for the grand jury and served in many more roles.
Luna has also served on the Latino Advisory Committee for Gavilan Community College, the Mental Health Advisory Board and the Community Action Board, which helps to decide which programs to fund with Community Development Block grants from the federal government.
To read more about councilwoman Luna’s accomplishment read the press release below.