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Ana Melendez, Resident Services Coordinator/Property Manager at Cabrillo EDC, Meets Her Hero Dolores Huerta
Meeting a personal hero can be a life-changing experience filled with emotions and excitement. For Ana Melendez, a property manager at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC), that moment came when she had the opportunity to meet the legendary activist and labor leader Dolores Huerta. Ana’s opportunity to meet Dolores Huerta happened at a diversity fair organized by Ventura College, which she was attending representing Cabrillo EDC. Meeting Ms. Huerta was a dream come true, and it left her feeling inspired and grateful for the impact Dolores Huerta has had on her life and the lives of many others.

Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist who, with Cesar Chavez, is a co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, which later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to become the United Farm Workers (UFW). Ana’s parents were farm workers, and in her work at Cabrillo EDC she supports many farm workers. Ana is acutely aware of how much she, her family, and our entire community owe to the advocacy of Dolores Huerta. Ana shared, “Growing up with farmworker parents and knowing there are amazing human beings like Dolores Huerta that advocate for their rights has also made me want to advocate for the farmworker families I work with. Everything I do for Cabrillo EDC farmworker families, I do it out of the kindness of my heart because I have experienced it firsthand.”

Ana is passionate about networking and connecting with other agencies, and she eagerly accepted an invitation to attend the diversity fair at Ventura College. Little did she know that the event would hold an extraordinary surprise. As Ana reviewed the list of speakers, she noticed that Dolores Huerta was among them. Overwhelmed with joy, Ana realized she would not only get to hear Dolores Huerta’s speech but also have the chance to meet her in person.

The fair was bustling, with students and attendees from various backgrounds. Eager to meet her hero, Ana made her way to the meet-and-greet area where Dolores Huerta was scheduled to appear. As she stood in line, surrounded by fellow admirers, she felt a powerful sense of connection with the people around her who Dolores Huerta’s work had touched.
While waiting in line, Ana struck up conversations with others who shared their own stories of how Dolores Huerta had influenced their lives. A retired teacher in front of her proudly displayed a book he had written about Dolores Huerta, designed to inspire kindergarteners. Another woman behind Ana spoke of how her parents had been farmworkers, and she was grateful for Dolores Huerta’s advocacy on behalf of her family. These encounters only reinforced Dolores Huerta’s profound impact on countless lives.

As the line moved forward, Ana’s excitement intensified. Finally, the moment arrived when she stood face-to-face with her hero. She shook Dolores Huerta’s hand, shared a heartfelt hug, and had her picture taken with the iconic activist. Although their interaction was brief due to the large crowd, the experience left Ana feeling elated and grateful for the opportunity to meet the person who had dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and the rights of marginalized communities.

Returning to her table at the fair, Ana couldn’t contain her happiness. Ana’s excitement extended to her daughter, whom she shared the experience with later. Although her young daughter may not fully grasp the significance of meeting Dolores Huerta, Ana is confident that one day, when her daughter learns about Dolores Huerta’s remarkable contributions, she will proudly share her mother’s story.

Ana Melendez’s encounter with Dolores Huerta was a momentous occasion. Meeting her hero, shaking her hand, and sharing a brief conversation left Ana feeling inspired and grateful. Dolores Huerta’s tireless advocacy for labor rights and social justice has touched countless lives, and Ana’s experience serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Dolores Huerta’s work. Meeting a hero can be a transformative experience, reminding us of the power of individuals to make a difference.