Our vital work at the Cesar Chavez Foundation is guided by our conviction to stand shoulder to shoulder with immigrants and working families to battle together against unforeseeable hardships and discouraging odds.
The fear and outrage following brutal raids by heavily armed ICE agents on innocent workers and families in peaceful communities throughout the country– most recently in Los Angeles communities—is nothing short of disheartening. SEIU California President David Huerta was injured and arrested while witnessing one raid. “Our community is under attack and has been terrorized,” declared Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who we honored with the Cesar Chavez Legacy Award in 2023.
I recall the trauma of immigrating as a young child from Mexico, undocumented and penniless. These dark times force us to think hard about what more we can—and must—do to stand up for our beliefs and principles. As a start, we at the Cesar Chavez Foundation vehemently reject the needless and violent acts we are witnessing.
Let us draw upon our combined strength and power during these difficult times.
Manuel H. Bernal
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cesar Chavez Foundation
Cesar Chavez’s legacy lives on through grassroots organizations that continue his fight for justice, dignity, and equity. This March, from Michigan to Arizona, communities gathered to honor his memory and keep his mission alive through action.
The annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice in San Antonio, TX, on March 25, 2025.
One of the largest tributes to Chavez’s legacy takes place in San Antonio, Texas, where thousands of marchers unite for the annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice. This event, deeply rooted in community activism, brings together families, students, and advocates to honor Chavez’s contributions and highlight ongoing social justice issues.
Local organizers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, host a social justice march, gala, and scholarship program supporting young leaders. Visalia, California, continues its commitment through events led by Roberto Capitan Bustos.
In San Luis, Arizona, Maria Robles and her team at WeAreSomos—including former UFW members—have established a visitor center dedicated to Cesar Chavez’s life and mission. The center serves as a hub for education and reflection, offering programs that connect the past struggles of farmworkers with today’s ongoing labor movements. Robles shares, “We must pass on from generation to generation the importance of working as a team for the common good, following the model of Cesar Chavez, who unified and transformed the issues of farm workers into impactful actions by working together.”
San Luis, Arizona Street Sign Donation on March 6, 2025.
A significant recent addition to the San Luis visitor center is a street sign donated by the City of San Luis, now proudly on display. This milestone was made possible through the collaboration of the National Chavez Center Archives and WeAreSomos, further cementing Chavez’s presence in the heart of the community.
During a recent visit to the San Luis Center, Manuel Bernal, President and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation, saw the newly installed Cesar Chavez street sign donated by the City of San Luis. “We’re deeply grateful for the grassroots commemorative groups who honor Cesar’s legacy year after year—not for recognition, but out of love for their communities and a lasting commitment to justice,” said Manuel Bernal, President and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
The annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice in San Antonio, TX, on March 25, 2025.
Andres Chavez, Executive Director of the National Chavez Center, added, “From Grand Rapids to San Antonio, Visalia to San Luis, these efforts are not isolated—they’re part of a national tapestry of remembrance and action. Each scholarship, each march, each community event is a reminder of my Tata’s legacy and how the movement remains alive. What these communities show us is that we only lose if we give up. As long as we keep organizing, educating, and believing in our collective power, we continue moving forward. The fight for justice isn’t over—and thanks to these local leaders, it never will be.”
From Michigan to Texas to California and Arizona, these grassroots groups exemplify the power of local activism in keeping Cesar Chavez’s spirit alive. As we reflect on his legacy, we celebrate the individuals and organizations who continue championing his vision for justice, dignity, and equality for all.
The ideals and values of our founder remain steadfast in the work of our organization and in the countless commemorative events, marches, and celebrations taking place as Cesar Chavez Day approaches. From Yuma, Arizona, to San Antonio, Texas, I’ve gathered and marched with thousands of you to honor and uplift Cesar’s legacy.
Our Movement has always been about more than wages or working conditions—it is about people: the right to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that Cesar’s life’s work and vision endure for future generations. We draw strength, courage, and resolve from remembering our Movement’s roots and the unwavering belief that change is possible when we stand together.
Cesar’s faith in people moved the masses to believe they could overcome even the most insurmountable odds. He taught us that you only lose when you give up. That message is just as powerful today as it was over 60 years ago, when this Movement was founded to challenge the weight of poverty, discrimination, and powerlessness.
As we carry that spirit forward, I want to share news of an important transition within our leadership—one that reflects our continued growth and unwavering commitment to our mission.
I’m proud to share that Dr. Celia Garcia Alvarado has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Chavez Foundation. With a distinguished history at the Foundation—most recently serving as Executive Vice President of the Education Fund—Celia brings deep strategic insight and operational excellence. Her leadership will help us advance our mission and strengthen the organization.
I’m also excited to announce that Sarah Grams has been promoted to Executive Vice President of the Education Fund. Sarah has been instrumental in advancing our education initiatives, and in her new role, she will continue to lead growth and innovation in this vital area.
I look to the future of the Chavez Foundation with great confidence in their leadership and dedication.
My personal commitment remains steadfast: to continue advancing our mission of transforming lives, guided by the enduring values that Cesar instilled in all of us. Recent events have prompted us to reaffirm our dedication to inspiring and transforming communities. We have formed a task force to strengthen our organization and ensure staff and community safety. It will actively monitor policy changes to provide aligned responses that reflect CCF’s core values.
Together, we will keep building a future rooted in justice, compassion, and unity. Thank you for your continued support.
Manuel H. Bernal
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cesar Chavez Foundation
At the end of 2023, the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors announced Paul Chavez’s retirement and my appointment as CCF’s President and CEO. During his 30 years with the Chavez Foundation and more than 50 years with the farm worker movement, Paul has ensured that the legacy and values of his father continue inspiring people to make a difference in their lives and communities. I am humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps as we move forward into this next chapter.
Over the past several years, Paul and I have worked together crafting a vision for CCF. I made a personal commitment to continue the work of impacting lives through the guidance of Cesar’s values. My intention as the new President and CEO is to steer CCF into the future and facilitate growth so more needs are addressed as we work to improve the quality of life for Latinos and working people. While we will continue focusing on growth in the Southwest, we are placing special emphasis on growing our presence in Texas, and looking forward to working with partners as we advance our mission of inspiring and transforming communities.
CCF has experienced tremendous growth and has never been stronger. We have a Board of Directors committed to the ideals that started the National Farm Workers Service Center 60 years ago, and a management team and staff dedicated to implementing the daily work. What started as an organization to address the fundamental needs of working families, CCF has grown and transformed into a successful collection of social enterprises supporting millions of Latinos and other working families with nearly 400 employees across five Southwestern states. As we prepare to cross the billion-dollar mark of investment in underserved communities through CCF social enterprises, the organization is poised to achieve new heights.
Thank you for your continued support. I am grateful to be on this journey with you.
Manuel H. Bernal, President and CEO Cesar Chavez Foundation
The Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors announces President Paul Chavez’s retirement at year’s end. During more than 30 years with CCF, Paul Chavez has ensured the legacy and values of his father continue inspiring people to make a difference in their lives and communities. Under his leadership, CCF has grown and transformed into a successful collection of social enterprises supporting millions of Latinos and working families, inspiring and transforming communities from rural to urban areas throughout the Southwest and across the generations. We thank Paul for his unwavering determination, guidance, and his nearly 50 years of commitment to the movement.
The Board of Directors has named CCF’s Chief Operating Officer Manuel Bernal to succeed Paul Chavez as president. Manuel has spent nearly 35 years in community development and a quarter century in leadership roles crafting a vision for CCF. He first joined the foundation in 1999, and until 2011 was Executive Vice President for Housing and Economic Development. Then, he served on the Board of Directors until 2017. Most recently, as chief operating officer, overseeing CCF’s four core programs: affordable housing, education, communications, and legacy work. Manuel’s roots and passion for community development have provided a strong vision for CCF’s future.
We have full confidence in Manuel’s vision for CCF and wish him success in his new role. Following his retirement, Paul will continue to serve on CCF’s Board of Directors and will continue serving farm worker movement organizations as a member of their boards. We wish Paul a happy retirement and thank him for his service in expanding our impact inspiring and transforming communities. We stand ready to support Manuel as he guides the organization forward.
Sincerely,
Cesar Chavez Foundation Board of Directors
Cesar Chavez’s legacy lives on through grassroots organizations that continue his fight for justice, dignity, and equity. This March, from Michigan to Arizona, communities gathered to honor his memory and keep his mission alive through action.
