Featuring Dolorez Huerta, American labor leader and civil rights activist

Welcome by David Leslie Executive Director, Rothko Chapel

Introduction by Kelly Johnson Public Program Director, Rothko Chapel

Remarks by Dolores Huerta Co-founder of the United Farmworkers Association

Panel Discussion on Women Organizing for Labor Rights Moderated by Linda Morales, Organizing Coordinator, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (AFL-CIO); with Elsa Flores, President, Service Employees International Union Texas (SEIU); Traci Latson, Vice President, Houston Federation of Teaches Union (HFT); and Dolores Huerta

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group, or organization specific. The Rothko Chapel has a programmatic history of observing International Women’s Day each March and has hosted meditations, conversations, and performances exploring urgent issues that impact women across the globe.

Dolores Huerta is a prominent labor leader and community organizer, co-founding the United Farm Workers Association in 1962 with Cesar Chavez. Serving as vice-president, she played a crucial role in the union's accomplishments for four decades. In 2002, Huerta established the Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) with a Puffin/Nation prize, focusing on community organizing, voter registration, education reform, and infrastructure improvements. She's received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012 and recognition as one of US Today's "Women of the Century" in 2021.

Linda Morales A dedicated advocate for Latino, women, LGBTQIA+, and worker rights with extensive experience in healthcare, state government, and labor union organizing. Currently leading initiatives for the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and serving as President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin Advancement. Committed to serving the community on the HCHSA, particularly in ensuring worker safety and combating human and labor trafficking. Based in Houston since 1977.

Elsa Flores Joined SEIU Texas in 2011 and has served as president since 2013, currently an executive vice president of SEIU. Led Houston janitors to victory in a month-long strike in 2012 and organized airport workers at international airports in Houston in 2022. Campaigns include winning a pay increase to $15 an hour through an executive order from the mayor. Focused on expanding union representation for healthcare workers across Texas and combating income inequality. Advocates for immigrants and Black and Brown communities.

Traci Latson Houston ISD Career Pathways teacher leader at Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School. Committed to collaborative learning and community engagement. Appointed to the HISD Legislative Advisory Committee and serves as Houston Federation of Teachers Union Vice President and a Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO voting delegate. Holds municipal appointments including the Houston Ethics Commission and Harris County Safe Schools Commission. Earned degrees from Southern University and AandM College and Our Lady of the Lake University.