Ofelia de los Santos
Organizations
Valley Interfaith
Location
Edinburg, Texas
Biography
Ofelia de los Santos was born and raised in the Pharr, San Juan, Alamo area of Hidalgo County. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Pan American University and a law degree from the University of Houston. De Los Santos became involved in politics through the Chicana Political Caucus while living in Austin and started the Hidalgo County Women’s Political Caucus upon her return to the Valley, at which time she also became involved with Valley Interfaith. She is now retired from practicing law and continues her service to the community through her work with the Catholic diocese of Brownsville.
Audio Clips
Interviewed by Shine Trabucco and Jennifer R. Nájera on March 4, 2023 in San Juan, Texas
Ofelia de los Santos recounts financially supporting her family at 18 years old when Hurricane Beulah destroyed her father’s business. She and her family then moved from the Valley to San Francisco in the summer of 1968, where she took a job with a shipping company.
De los Santos describes meeting Martha Cotera and becoming a Chicana feminist.
De los Santos met with Ernesto Cortez, Jr., to become a member of what would become Valley Interfaith. At that meeting Cortez challenged all of Ofelia’s prior beliefs about organizing.
Getting a college education empowered Ofelia de los Santos in her personal life and in her organizing.
Digital Archive
Facade of the Diocese of Brownsville Catholic Pastoral Center, where the Ofelia de los Santos interview took place.
Valley Interfaith plaque thanking de los Santos for her service.
Plaque honoring Ofelia de los Santos “In appreciation for Valuable Service” from the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, 1991-1992.
Letter to Ofelia de los Santos from Henry G. Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 1993.
Ofelia de los Santos was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock as the Avance Rio Grande Valley Family Support and Educator Programs 1998 Mother of the Year.