Dolores Huerta

Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta (born April 10, 1930) is an American labor rights activist, civil rights advocate, and feminist who has spent over seven decades fighting for workers' rights and social justice. She co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez in 1962, which later merged to form the United Farm Workers (UFW), one of the most significant labor organizations in American history. Huerta was instrumental in organizing farm workers, leading strikes, and advocating for better working conditions, wages, and rights for agricultural laborers—work that made her a central figure in the Chicano Movement. She coined the phrase 'Sí, se puede' ('Yes, we can'), which became a rallying cry for social movements beyond agriculture. Throughout her career, Huerta has worked tirelessly on issues including immigration reform, women's rights, and environmental justice. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Her legacy extends beyond labor activism to broader movements for equality and social change, making her one of the most influential civil rights figures in American history.