Dolly Arredondo - Co-Founder of the League.
About Us
Founded in Fresno in 1973, the League of Mexican American Women is a volunteer-led, community-based organization dedicated to advancing education, strengthening cultural identity, developing leaders, and serving the community.
The League began with a small group of women who were active in local civic, social, and political organizations. They envisioned a place where Latinas could develop leadership skills through training, hands-on experience, and meaningful community involvement. They also shared a deep love of Mexican culture and wanted to create celebrations and traditions that would nurture pride, belonging, and self-confidence for generations to come.
The League welcomes Latinas of all ages and backgrounds, including professionals in the public and private sectors, college students, business owners, and stay-at-home mothers. Members volunteer their time and talents, drawing strength from their diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
For more than 50 years, the League has promoted Mexican American culture through educational programs, cultural and social activities, scholarships, community awareness, and volunteer service. League members have gone on to successful careers in politics, medicine, law, education, business, and many other fields. Through their achievements and service, they have become mentors and role models for generations of young women.
The League’s lasting impact reflects the contributions of every woman who has joined and served. Membership may change over time, but the commitment remains constant: to understand the issues facing our community, respond to its needs, and create opportunities for Latinas to learn, lead, and thrive.
Our History
2021 League Membership Drive event at Arte Américas. Pictured with Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President of California State University, Fresno.
A Vision Takes Root
The League of Mexican American Women was organized in 1973 to fill a critical gap in Fresno: few organizations were dedicated to the needs, leadership, and professional development of Latinas. The League’s early efforts focused on preparing women for leadership in education, health, politics, economic development, and other professional fields.
The founding members brought years of experience as volunteers, fundraisers, and educators in mainstream civic organizations, as well as in Hispanic organizations whose leadership was primarily male. Although these women made valuable contributions, they were often relegated to auxiliary roles. The founders—including single mothers, grandmothers, and stay-at-home mothers—recognized the need for an organization in which Latinas could lead, build their skills, advance their careers, and address issues directly affecting their lives and communities.
In 1978, the League filed its Articles of Incorporation and received recognition as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Growing During a Time of Change
The League took shape during a period of profound social change. The women’s movement was gaining momentum throughout the country, while the Chicano Movement was inspiring cultural pride, civic participation, and activism—especially on college campuses. Latinas were eager to participate in these cultural and social changes, and several college students joined the League and helped develop new programs.
Among the League’s early successes were its signature fashion show and luncheon, the Adelante Mujer conferences, and partnerships with other community-based organizations that supported Latinas. The League quickly emerged as a leading Latina organization in the Central Valley and throughout California.
Women from Madera, Visalia, Modesto, Bakersfield, Sacramento, and other communities contacted the League for assistance in organizing groups of their own. In 1979, the League affiliated with the national organization Comisión Femenil Mexicana Nacional, Inc., which had chapters throughout the Los Angeles area and across California. After four years, the League chose to become independent, recognizing that it could have a greater impact by concentrating its efforts on local issues and community needs.
Developing Leaders and Expanding Women’s Influence
As the League became more established, its members gained recognition from local and state leaders. Members received appointments to state bodies that included the Commission on the Status of Women, the Medical Quality Review Commission, the Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency, the Advisory Council to the Legal Services Corporation, and the California Student Aid Commission.
At the local level, members served on the Fresno County Delinquency Prevention Commission, the Fresno County Social Services Advisory Committee, the Fresno City Grievance Advisory Committee, and many other public bodies. League members were also invited to serve on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations.
The League’s influence could also be seen in the educational and professional achievements of its members. Nearly all of the college students who joined the League went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees and became leaders in their chosen professions. Other members were encouraged and supported as they pursued college degrees, established businesses, and advanced their careers.
Service to the Community
Community service has always been central to the League’s mission. Members have supported the Hispanic community through volunteerism, partnerships, advocacy, and financial assistance.
For many years, the League sponsored an annual golf tournament. Originally known as the Esperanza Golf Tournament, the event raised funds for the Hispanic Hospice at Fresno County Hospital. In later years, tournament proceeds benefited the cultural arts center Arte Américas.
The Adelante Mujer Conference, held at Fresno City College, brought together middle school and high school students and their mothers. Conference workshops addressed college preparation, health, effective communication, career planning, and mentoring.
The League also organized Día de los Niños celebrations, educational excursions to museums, scholarship luncheons, social gatherings, and other activities designed to strengthen families and connect community members with educational and cultural opportunities.
The Fiesta Navideña Legacy
The annual Fiesta Navideña Fashion Show and Luncheon became one of the League’s most enduring traditions and its signature scholarship fundraiser. Over the years, proceeds from the event helped hundreds of students attend colleges and universities.
Under the leadership of co-founder Betty Rodriguez, the fashion show continued for more than 40 years. Planning was a nearly year-round commitment, often beginning in January and continuing through November. Her persistence, energy, and devotion helped sustain the event and ensure its success.
Mrs. Rodriguez passed away in 2012, but her legacy continues through the students whose educational goals have been supported by the League. By 2025, the League had proudly raised nearly $700,000 in scholarships to students attending Fresno State, Fresno City College, and colleges and universities throughout the United States.
More Than 50 Years of Leadership and Impact
In 2023, the League of Mexican American Women celebrated 50 years of leadership, cultural pride, education, and community service.
More than five decades after its founding, the League continues to create opportunities for women and students, celebrate Mexican American culture, develop emerging leaders, and respond to the evolving needs of the community. Its history is a testament to the vision of its founders and to every woman who has contributed her time, experience, talent, and leadership to carrying that vision forward.
