Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 is here! The National Hispanic Council on Aging is thrilled to begin another campaign of Latino Empowerment this year, as we honor and spotlight powerful Latino voices. This week, NHCOA is proud to highlight another example of Latino leadership and public service. Congressman Adelita S. Grijalva represents Arizona’s 7th Congressional District in the House of Representatives.
Representative Grijalva is a lifelong resident of Tucson and the daughter of the late Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Her path to Congress was shaped by more than two decades of public service. Before serving in Congress, she worked for more than 25 years with Pima County Teen Court, helping court-involved youth and their families through a restorative juvenile diversion program. She later served on the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board and the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Throughout her career, Representative Grijalva has focused on issues affecting working families, and underserved communities. On the Tucson Unified School District Board, she helped expand preschool availability, defended Mexican-American Studies and bilingual education, and advocated for investments in public schools. As a Pima County Supervisor, she helped establish the county’s first free preschool program for low- and middle-income families, championed investments in affordable housing, and worked on environmental protection and climate resiliency.
In 2025, Representative Grijalva was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, following the passing of her father, the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, who had also represented Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Her election marked a historic moment: she became the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. Her work in Washington has continued to reflect many of the issues that have defined her public service in Southern Arizona.
Representative Grijalva has also brought issues important to Latino communities and the working class to the national legislative conversation. Just recently, in September 2026, she introduced the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, legislation that would expand federal overtime protections for agricultural workers and phase in stronger workplace protections. The bill addresses a longstanding exclusion of farm workers from federal overtime requirements. Her congressional advocacy has also included immigration, environmental protection, tribal sovereignty, workers’ rights, education, and community safety.
Representative Adelita S. Grijalva’s career demonstrates how public service can create pathways for greater representation and civic participation. From Tucson classrooms and community programs to the halls of Congress, her work has remained connected to the needs and experiences of the people of Southern Arizona. The National Hispanic Council on Aging recognizes Representative Grijalva as a notable and excellent example of Latino representation and empowerment.
Congratulations, Representative Grijalva, on your service and on helping open the door for the next generation of Latino leaders!
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