About Us

The Tulare County League of Mexican American Women was established in September 1979 when seven passionate Mexican American women came together for the first time. These founding members were Gloria Aguilar, Elia Densmore, Linda Jasso, Olivia Medina, Rosemary Mendoza, Mona Menjares, and Susa Wright. The League received inspiration from three members of the Fresno League of Mexican American Women—Dolly Arredondo, Josie Mena, and Betty Rodriguez—who visited Visalia to share their experiences. In October 1979, the Visalia ladies hosted a luncheon at the North Visalia Community Center, resulting in about 60 women signing up as members of the Tulare County League. Among them was Norma Cano, who would later become the League President in 2018.

Initially, the League was affiliated with the Comision Femenil Mexicana Nacional based in L.A., with Carmen Cantu serving as President from 1986 to 1988. The League actively participated in state-wide issues and conferences. Throughout the 80s, the Tulare County League of Mexican American Women organized fundraising events by setting up booths at community gatherings, selling delicious chile verde plates and fruit cups. During the Christmas season, we would come together to prepare and sell tamales. The funds raised supported our scholarship program, enabled us to host women's conferences, participate in cultural events, and sponsor a book fund at the College of the Sequoias.

One of our most significant fundraisers and a highlight of our cultural programming was the Noche de Cultura shows. These events showcased historical periods through storytelling and authentic clothing from those times, requiring countless hours of outfit creation, research, and planning. The themes included: 1984 - Costumes of Mexico, 1985 - Aztec Splendor, 1986 - Tesoros del Pasado, 1987 - Encuentro Tropical, 1988 - El rebozo y La Revolucion, 1989 - Recuerdos y Celebracion, 1990 - El Camino Real, 1991 - Fiesta Ranchera, 1992 - Un Viaje Sentimantal, 1993 - Mayan Mystique, 1994 - Feria de las Flores, 1995 - Cielito Lindo, and 1996 - Celebrando Nuestra Herencia. The Visalia Convention Center was filled with attendees for these events.

Starting in 1987, members of the League produced six plays that captivated local audiences. Notable productions included "The House of Bernarda Alba," Fractured Fairytales, and "Women Without Men," directed by Ted Varela. Additionally, from 1995 to 2000, we sponsored the "Junior League" at Redwood High School in Visalia, a vibrant school club that hosted various activities.

We also strive to include art shows in our events whenever possible, featuring talented artists such as Esperanza Martinez, Gilbert "Magu" Lujan, and Richard Arenas. Their creativity inspires us and energizes our initiatives. Furthermore, we sponsor book club activities, cultural workshops, and film screenings that promote diversity and enrich our community.

One of our most well-known events in recent years has been our Dia de los Muertos Celebration, which stands as one of the longest-running Dia de los Muertos events in the Central Valley since its inception in 2010. In 2019, we transitioned this celebration from Downtown Visalia to the Visalia Cemetery, creating a more traditional Celebration of Life.

The League operates entirely on a volunteer basis, achieving impressive results through partnerships and community support. We take pride in having developed and maintained a well-organized scholarship program that continues to empower and uplift Mexican American women in our community.