This article was written by BenitoLink intern Ariana Rivera. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Featuring an array of guest speakers including renowned labor activist Dolores Huerta and Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, the Latino Coalition of San Benito County hosted its 28th annual Visionary Women’s Luncheon on Aug. 23 to honor visionary women in the community.
This year’s honorees were Lupe Valdez, Carla Torres De Luna and Patricia Salcedo.
In addition to Huerta and Lofgren, former California State Controller Betty Yee, former Democratic Party vice chair Alex Gallardo Rooker and actress Alma Martinez were featured speakers.
The first honoree, Lupe Valdez, is a producer, actor, screenwriter, costume designer and a founding member of El Teatro Campesino.
Valdez said that her passion for social justice was instilled in her by her parents and that she has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of others.
She followed her thanks with a reminder of the immigration policies and enforcement occurring in the country and issued a call to action.
“It breaks my heart to see campesinos rounded up, to see workers working and being treated less than human beings,” Valdez said. “It is illegal, it is inhuman, and we have to fight that. So please, stand up, be heard, and speak the truth.”
The second honoree, Carla Torres De Luna, is a social worker, a Hollister Planning Commissioner, and active in community organizations such as the Latino Coalition.
De Luna said she was overwhelmed with emotion in accepting her award. She thanked everyone who had supported her along the way and gave a special thanks to her mother.
“Women sacrifice a lot, and when we work and have kids, it’s even harder,” De Luna said.
Honoree Patricia Salcedo has been a county employee for nearly 25 years and currently serves as the program manager for Victim Witness Assistance rights.
She said a lot of her involvement in the community has been “quiet work,” and that she is grateful to be reminded how meaningful her work is.
“It takes all of us to make sure that our community is not only strong, but also just and compassionate,” Salcedo said.
The three women were honored by personal letters from former secretary of defense Leon Panetta and his wife, Sylvia, certificates of recognition from Lofgren, state Sen. John Laird, and Assemblymember Robert Rivas, as well as words of appreciation from the San Benito County Board of Supervisors and Hollister Mayor Roxanne Stephens.
Huerta said: “What is it about women that’s different? Well, number one, we believe in cooperation, not competition, and we believe in sharing whatever we have.”
The luncheon included both a silent and live auction, with proceeds going to the Latino Coalition Scholarship fund.
The silent auction included baskets of donated goods, and the live action featured a trip to Las Vegas and a dinner service prepared by Yee.
The Latino Coalition’s women’s committee also set up a “Rainbow Rack” of clothing donations from which attendees could choose items for themselves or someone in need.
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