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LULAC
MOURNS THE PASSING OF NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS AND FEDERAL AGENCY LEADER
ELIA MENDOZA
Nation's
Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Pays Tribute to a
Lifelong Champion for Seniors and Women in Community Service
WASHINGTON,
D.C. — October 29, 2025 — The League of United
Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today mourns the passing of longtime
national leader Elia
Mendoza, a revered advocate, mentor, and public servant
whose life's work uplifted generations of Latinos, especially senior
members, across the United States.
"Elia Mendoza
embodied everything that defines true leadership," said Roman Palomares,
LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "She served with
dignity, integrity, and loyalty to our mission. Elia was never one to
seek the spotlight. Instead, she brought light to others. She traveled
wherever she was needed, always advocating for our senior members,
ensuring their voices were heard, respected, and valued. We have lost a
great leader and a dear friend whose legacy of compassion will
endure."
Over her lifetime,
Mendoza served in key national and local roles, including on the LULAC National Women's Commission
and as National Vice
President for the Northeast and for the Elderly. Before
her retirement, she spent 28 years in public service in Washington, D.C.,
holding posts at the White
House Office of Management and Budget, the Pentagon, the Department of the Interior,
GSA,
and the Department
of Labor. There, she advanced initiatives to expand
higher education opportunities for Hispanics and women and coordinated
the White House
Initiative on Educational Excellence for 14 years.
"Elia was one
of those women whose presence made every room brighter and every meeting
more thoughtful," said Lupe
Torres, LULAC National Vice President for Women.
"She led with grace but also with strength; she was never afraid to
speak her mind, always lifting others in the process. She mentored
countless women in LULAC and inspired us to lead with conviction and heart.
Her voice will echo in our work for years to come."
A native of Texas
and a lifelong believer in education and empowerment, Mendoza also served
as a bridge between generations within LULAC. Even in retirement, she
remained deeply engaged, recruiting members, attending conferences, and
mentoring emerging Latina leaders. Also, she served as Chief of Staff to
LULAC National President, Rosa Rosales.
"Texas LULAC
will forever remember Elia Mendoza as a force of nature," said Gabriel Rosales,
Texas LULAC State Director. "She was a trusted ally through many
campaigns and challenges, a voice of wisdom and experience who always put
the mission first. Her service to our members, her love for her
community, and her dedication to LULAC made her one of our most respected
leaders. She held nearly every state leadership role along her long and
distinguished journey."
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About
LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's
oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929,
LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino
Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a
growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its
mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to
America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its
initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.
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