Laura Dent
Organizations
Activate 48, CHISPA Arizona, Arizona for Abortion Access, City of Tucson, UFCW 99
Location
Tucson, Arizona
Biography
After graduating from the University of Arizona, Laura Dent began her political career as a union organizer. While working for the union, Dent became involved with Las Adelitas Arizona, a group founded to empower Latinas to become more fully enfranchised in the electoral process. She has worked for Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and then served as Executive Director of Chispa Arizona, lobbying for environmental justice. Dent went on to co-found Activate 48, a coalition of Arizona's largest movement organizations—LUCHA, Mi Familia Vote, Our Voice Our Vote, and Chispa Arizona. In 2024 she became the campaign manager for Arizona for Abortion Access, a statewide citizen's initiative that successfully established Arizonans right to access abortion care in the state's constitution.
Audio Clips
Interviewed by Jennifer Nájera on May 8, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona
Dent talks about her involvement with las Adelitas and reflects on the fight for TUSD Ethnic Studies as a galvanizing event.
Dent reflects on her work in electoral politics and within the changing political terrain of Arizona.
Dent talks about the gendered contours of organizing and the support and encouragement she received from las Adelitas.
Digital Archive
Logo for Las Adelitas.
Quarterly meeting of Las Adelitas, 2014.
Dent taking part in “burrito action” during the fight for TUSD Ethnic Ethnic Studies.
Dent working with other members of CHISPA.
Las Adelitas 2012 newsletter featuring story about their “Burrito Tardeada”.
Dent with Dolores Huerta.
Dent explaining Proposition 139, Arizona for Abortion Access. This effort secured abortion rights for the people of Arizona in 2024. It was the largest citizen's initiative signature gathering effort in the history of the state.