Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley lost a good friend and part of its’ history with the passing of Gloria Molina.  Gloria was not only a powerful political figure who fought to improve the lives of Latinos, at the local and state level, but was also a founding member of Comisión Femenil Nacional, the organization from which CFSFV originated.

The oldest of ten, born to working class parents, Gloria learned very early to be strong, focused and intentional, values that served her well all her life.  Her honest, blunt attitude helped her attain many firsts in her life:  first Latina to be elected to the California State Assembly, first Latina to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council, and the first Latina to be elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Francisca Flores, a Chicana activist who organized Latinas to refute the prevalent “machismo” attitudes of the 1970’s, established Comisión Fememnil Los Angeles, later known as CF Nacional.  Gloria Molina served as President of the organization and lead it to become a formidable force for the advancement of Latina women in California, Texas and New Mexico.  Comisión Femenil Nacional the premier Latina organization at the time was recognized at the White House during the Women’s Movement. 

Many years later, Latina leaders of the San Fernando Valley struggled to keep the local organization viable and it was in early in 1994, that Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley decided to file as an independent non-profit modeled after the same goals of the original organization.  Gloria Molina, was consulted and was pleased to know that we were committed to improving the lives of young Latinas, centered on youth, education, and mentoring.  We had the privilege of honoring Supervisor Gloria Molina at our Gala in 2014, the year she retired.

We recognize and are grateful that Comisión Femenil San Fernando Valley stands on the strong shoulders of Gloria Molina, and others like her, who opened doors and eliminated barriers for us to walk through. 

QUE VIVA GLORIA MOLINA!