Lali Moheno
Organizations
MAYO, Colonias del Valle, United Farm Workers, Colegio Jacinto Treviño
Location
Edinburg, Texas
Biography
Born in La Villa, Texas, Lali Moheno grew up in a farm worker family. She became politicized at a young age when her father participated in a UFW melon strike in Rio Grande City. She worked with the UFW before beginning college at Pan American College. At Pan American, she became a member of the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), which connected her to local political movements and groups. She was a key organizer of the Edcouch-Elsa High School walkouts, her alma mater, was an active member of Colonias del Valle, and was a founder of the alternative Chicano/a college, Colegio Jacinto Treviño.
Audio Clips
Interviewed by Jennifer R. Nájera on June 4, 2023 in Visalia, California
Moheno speaks about how her father depended on her to translate during the Rio Grande Valley melon strike.
Moheno recalls presenting demands during the EdCouch-Elsa walkout and facing judgment from extended family members, who thought college was teaching her to defy gender norms.
Moheno speaks about founding the Colegio Jacinto Treviño as a Chicano/a alternative to mainstream universities.
Moheno describes a life-threatening experience when held at gunpoint by a local farmer because of her political involvement. She also reflects on completing her degree.