Gloria Molina (1948 – 2023) was a lifelong resident of Los Angeles County, a region she served for many years. She was the first Latina to serve in the California State Legislature, the Los Angeles City Council, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Born in Montebello, just East of downtown Los Angeles, she dedicated her life to serving her community. Gloria was been a guiding light, inspiration and mentor for Latinas who followed her path into public office and community activism.
From her early involvement in the Chicano Movement and as an advocate for women’s health to her many years of political service, she spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of underserved people, championing their causes. Gloria was the person most responsible for bringing LA Plaza to fruition, first as Los Angeles County Supervisor for the First District, and when she retired from that position, as an active and engaged member of LA Plaza’s Board of Trustees, instrumental in the development of LA Plaza Village and LA Plaza Cocina.
In retirement, Gloria pursued painting and working with artist Margaret Garcia. A lover of textiles, she was also one of the founders of the quilting group TELAS (The East Los Angeles Stitchers), who have exhibited their work internationally.
Gloria Molina: political icon, an advocate of the underdog, mentor, mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. In whatever capacity you know her, she was and will continue to be known as a champion, a campeona for the community that she has served so well.
Curated by Anna Bermudez
In lieu of flowers, Gloria Molina’s family requests that donations be made to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in her memory to inspire and empower future generations through the arts.