Statement from Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo on the Passing of Dolores Huerta

“We mourn the loss of Dolores Huerta, a courageous leader who dedicated her life to fighting for the dignity of workers, women and families. She showed generations of women the power of their own leadership and showed the world what is possible when we have the courage to act on our convictions. Her example belongs to everyone who seeks to lead and serve others.

As a woman and an educator, I am deeply grateful for the standard she sets for all of us. Dolores understood that helping children thrive means helping their families thrive. As a teacher, she saw children come to school hungry. As an organizer, she fought to change the conditions that brought them to school that way.

Her life reminds us that caring about children means standing up for their families. It means speaking up when something is wrong and using our leadership to create opportunities for others.

Our hearts are with her family, loved ones and the communities she helped organize and empower. We honor Dolores Huerta by carrying her courage into our own work and helping the next generation understand that leadership begins with a willingness to stand up for others.

Her enduring message continues with us, ‘Sí, se puede.’”