FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Civil and Labor Rights Icon Dolores Huerta to Speak at Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, CO—October 20, 2025 Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) will host civil rights leader and labor activist Dolores Huerta on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, from 6 to 8:30pm at the Centennial Campus (5675 S Academy Blvd.), Theatre (Room A120). We invite the media to attend and share this inspiring opportunity with the community.

Dolores Huerta, is a civil and labor rights activist and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Huerta will speak on campus in recognition of October 28 being National Immigrants Day. The event is open to the public but space is limited so early arrival is encouraged.

About Dolores Huerta
In 1962, Dolores Huerta co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers) with Cesar Chavez, becoming one of the chief architects of the American farm labor movement. She played a key role in passing the Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, the first U.S. law to grant California farm workers the right to organize and bargain collectively for fair wages and working conditions. Though farm workers lacked financial resources, Huerta helped channel their collective economic and civic strength through boycotts and grassroots organizing that transformed labor rights nationwide.

Huerta advocated for many civil rights groups, including immigrants, women, LGBTQIA and people living in poverty. She coined the phrase “¡Sí, se puede!” [Yes, you can!], which has been a rallying cry for activists ever since. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice, Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2012. 

Today, Huerta continues to travel the country as founder and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, speaking to students, civic groups, and policymakers about the power of grassroots democracy. Through her advocacy, Huerta teaches that lasting social change begins when individuals come together, organize, and take collective action to improve their communities.

Dolores Huerta at PPSC
“We are honored to welcome Dolores Huerta to our campus,” says Enrique Romo, Vice President for Student Experience and Equity. “Her life’s work continues to inspire generations to take action for justice and inclusion. This event offers students, faculty, staff, and community members a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential voices in American history.”

Huerta will deliver a keynote address followed by a moderated Q&A session. Her visit underscores PPSC’s ongoing dedication to civic engagement, equitable opportunity, and student empowerment through connection with national leaders. We encourage the community to join us for a powerful evening. 



About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and four bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality, affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both credit and non-credit classes.

Media Contact:
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA
Content Coordinator in Marketing and Communications at Pikes Peak State College
Mobile: 719-715-3297
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu
Pronouns: she/her