On Saturday November 22 at 11 a.m. the celebration and opening of the Lena Archuleta Library located at 3300 West Nevada Place takes place.
Lena Lovato Archuleta was an eight generation Mexican-American. Born in New Mexico in 1920, she came from humble roots and was very proud of her heritage. Archuleta loved to read and because of excellent grades, she became valedictorian in her high school graduating class.
These early efforts paid off, and she was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious University of Denver. She obtained a degree in education and Spanish. She would become a life-long advocate for bilingual education.
In 1951, she and her husband Juan moved to Denver. Coloradoans, particularly Hispanics, would benefit from her dedication, talent, and leadership for almost sixty years. She began her career as a classroom teacher and was also a librarian.
In 1976 she was named the first Latina principal in Denver Public Schools. Her strong belief in education led her to become the first Hispanic president of the Denver Classroom Teachers’ Association and the Colorado Library Association. In 2002, the elementary school in Montbello was named in her honor – the first public school named after a Latina.
Archuleta was a trailblazer, mentor, and leader. She is considered the Madrina of Colorado Latino progress in the last Century.
I met Archuleta when I was a young leader in my thirties. A few Latinas were meeting about starting a women’s center, and people said, “You have to meet Lena Archuleta!” Of course, she joined us as a founding mother of Mi Casa Resource Center – and is remembered for believing in the power of Latinas working together. Mi Casa will celebrate 50 years in 2026.
Thus started our life-long collaboration where I was able to learn from Archuleta about leadership and serving the Latino community. Lena taught all of us that our power lies in our collective efforts and in organizational strength.
Thus, she co-founded many early Latino organizations, such as the Latin American Education Foundation, and CLARO (Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization). In 2000 she helped found Circle of Latina Leadership, a leadership training group for Hispanic women in Denver, and mentored many of its participants. The late educator offered this, “Preparing our young people to lead and be successful is the greatest hope for the future of the Latino community.”
Archuleta was a role model to many, a leader in her community and a top-rate educator. Another well-known educator, Darlene LeDoux said, “Lena insisted that we all ‘Hold fast to our dreams.’ This was her motto in life. Believe in yourself. Think BIG. Do important work for our community, nuestra gente. That’s what she modeled for us as educators and leaders in Denver, as the first Chicana Principal in the Denver Public Schools. She was a trailblazer for us; we loved her dearly, and we will remember her always.”
“Leadership,” Lena taught me, “is a life-long commitment to serve one’s people.” Even in her nineties, she continued her community involvement. After she retired, she served on the national board of directors of AARP, (American Association of Retired People) – the most powerful organization in the U.S. that advocates for seniors. She became the vice-president of the national board from 1990 to 1996, being the first Hispanic woman to hold that position.
Archuleta was the first Latina inducted into The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame forging the pathway for other Latinas to follow. She serves as an inspiration to all showing how one person’s leadership, commitment, and dedication can leave a lasting legacy for the Latino community and for Colorado.
