The Voices for Healthy Kids 2024 Summit was an enlightening event that delved into the diverse experiences of the Latino community. It was particularly impactful to have the opportunity to honor Dolores Huerta, an iconic figure in the labor and civil rights movements. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and a passionate advocate for social justice, Dolores Huerta's influence has been profound and far-reaching. Her tireless dedication to empowering marginalized communities has left an indelible mark on American history.

Advocacy media relations manager Laura Coleman, known for her expertise in promoting social causes, recently had the esteemed opportunity to sit down with Dolores Huerta, a pioneering figure in the labor and civil rights movement. During the interview, Laura delved into Dolores's remarkable journey, discussing her experiences working closely with Cesar Chavez to establish the farm workers movement. The conversation touched on various aspects of advocacy and empowerment, shedding light on how individuals can become effective advocates for change in their communities.

When asked for advice on how to be an effective leader, Dolores shared, ‘The number one thing we have to know is that we have to be the example and know that we can’t do things alone. The only way we will be able to make things happen is if we recruit people to join us, and I think that is part of being a leader and being an organizer!’

During the interview, the atmosphere crackled with energy as the crowd erupted into a spontaneous display of gratitude. People from all corners of the room raised handmade signs, each bearing heartfelt messages thanking Huerta for her unwavering dedication to the farmers’ union and her impactful contributions to activism across the nation. Dolores, resplendent in vibrant colors, beamed at the sea of appreciation before gracefully beckoning the audience to join her in a symbolic gesture that electrified the room, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and transforming the entire trajectory of the conversation.

“I found it very interesting that many people came up to me after the interview, stating how calm I was interviewing Dolores. However, I feed off Dolores’s energy, which allows me to calm down and allows the conversation to flow as if we’ve known each other forever.” Laura Coleman, Advocacy Media Relations Manager, Voices for Healthy Kids.

Dolores embodies a kind spirit, unwavering determination, and profound self-love that has truly enriched our lives. Everyone who attended the summit and watched this interview was eager to experience it firsthand. It’s not often that you have the chance to meet icons like Dolores Huerta, but thanks to Voices for Healthy Kids, we were able to engage in meaningful conversation and achieve a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime goal.

If you would like to watch the full interview, check out the recording here.