Dolores Huerta Turns 95: Sí Se Puede Lives On
Dolores Huerta and her daughter with JEFAS publisher Erika Macias and her daughter in 2019. Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa Photo Archives
Si Se Puede! Has become an iconic and symbolic chant for Latinos across the United States, coined by Dolores Huerta, who turns 95 on April 10. Her tireless advocacy for her people has inspired people all over the world. Iowa is no exception.
Joanna Chavez, Founder of Latinas Rising Together, Storm Lake, IA
Joanna Chavez
Dolores Huerta’s relentless fight for justice has paved the way for so many of us, especially women of color, to raise our voices and demand change. Her legacy reminds us that speaking up isn’t just a choice—it’s a responsibility. Because of leaders like her, we continue to break barriers, lead with courage, and create a better future. Porque calladitas no nos vemos más bonitas.
“Sí se puede” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. It means pushing forward despite obstacles, knowing that a pause or stumble is never a reason to quit. As mujeres, we are fuertes, resilient, and capable of achieving anything we set our minds to. Thanks to trailblazers like Huerta, we keep fighting, uplifting, and inspiring. ¡Sí se puede!
Karina Pedroza, Financial Professional, South Sioux City, NE
Karina Pedroza. Photo by Jennifer Marquez / JEFAS Magazine
As a Latina in the Midwest, I live through the expectations placed on our community—expectations that attempt to limit our potential and define how far we can go. When Latinos push beyond these boundaries, we are often held to higher standards, where our mistakes are not easily forgiven. Even when times get too hard to bear, Latinos are expected to simply toe the line.
However, like Dolores Huerta, I believe in the power of rising above these constraints. Sí se puede is a call to action. It means showing ourselves and others that we can make a difference in our communities by using our voice and finding our power. We CAN influence policies that affect our people, and go beyond merely surviving. Sí se puede means thriving—educationally, economically, and politically—so that we create change for our families and our communities and stop living in the fringes.
Inbal Mazar, Spanish Professor, Des Moines
My advanced Spanish class at Drake University organized a meeting with Latin American friends who work in maintenance. They are the heart of our university; keeping the spaces inside and out beautiful so we can study and work there. They arrive very early to work, and many times we don’t have the opportunity to show appreciation to the people who deserve it most. The students were very happy to learn a bit more about them and share food, and they even decorated the classroom. Before the semester ends, we will get together once more along with the artist Siriaco García to paint and chat together. It is an honor to be able to spend time together and do something “out of routine.”
“Si Se Puede” connect and show gratitude to people who deserve it most in a special way.
Advanced Spanish students with Drake Maintenance staff. Photo by Ella Hurst, Drake University
