Dolores Huerta and Rosibel Mancillas-Lopez were honored at the San Diego’s 10 Cool Women of 2013 luncheon recently held by Girl Scouts San Diego.

This is the 13th year the nonprofit has recognized women whose personal and professional achievements, leadership and service to the community make them consummate role models for girls.

“Like Girl Scouts, our 2013 Cool Women make the world a better place,” said Jo Dee C. Jacob, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts San Diego. “We’re proud to honor these 10 exceptional women.”

Huerta, who was once a Girl Scout herself, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with César Chávez. A longtime advocate for the rights of women and children as well as laborers, she led protests with strict adherence to non-violent philosophies and now travels the country speaking about issues of social justice and public policy. The civil rights icon received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, was inducted into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor in 2012, and entered the California Hall of Fame in 2013.

A recent graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, Mancillas-Lopez works with clients who need assistance with immigration issues. She volunteers at a multitude of organizations, including Big Brothers and Sisters, Interfaith Shelter Network, Legal Aid Society, the Holy Family Church, San Diego Organizing Project, and the United Church of Christ Mayan Ministry. In addition to dedicating her time to helping those in need first-hand during law school, she spoke out for change as co-president of USD’s Immigration Justice and Law Society.

Irma Castro, a member of the Cool Women Class of 2001, introduced Huerta during the ceremony; Mancillas-Lopez was introduced by Carmen Vazquez, Vice President for Student Affairs at University of San Diego.

High Tech High sophomore Andrea Quintanar addressed luncheon guests about Girl Scouts’ impact on her life. She reaches out to the world community through Girl-Scout-sponsored forums and programs that promote education and positive change. A member of Senior Troop 5283 (led by her mother, Consuelo Murillo Quintanar), Andrea represented Girl Scouts San Diego at the 2012 Girls’ World Forum in Chicago, where girls from 92 countries gathered to discuss gender equality, environmental sustainability and poverty. Through the Girl Scout Destinations travel program, Andrea has surfed in Costa Rica, tried water sports in Canada and Alaska, and collaborated with Girl Guides in Mexico.

The other Cool Women of 2013 are Voices for Children founder Kathryn Ashworth, businesswoman Joye Blount, philanthropist Pauline Foster, “First Lady of Wireless” Arlene Harris, Pacific Arts Movement founder Lee Ann Kim, San Diego Unified School District Superintendant Designate Cindy Marten, fashion and textile designer Zandra Rhodes, and attorney Ellen Whelan.

At the luncheon, Girl Scouts San Diego also recognized 2012 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Snigdha Nandipati as their first-ever “Cool Girl.”

The previously recognized Cool Women who introduced this year’s honorees included Barbara Bry, Ronne Froman, Jeanne Jones, Linda Katz, Karen Keltner, Gail Levin, Susan Mallory and Rana Sampson. In addition to an etched crystal vase from Girl Scouts San Diego, honorees received an engraved Nambé picture frame, courtesy of Bloomingdale’s.
Madeleine Pickens, a 2010 Cool Woman, and the Del Mar Country Club hosted the luncheon and awards program. Event proceeds of $27,000 will help keep Girl Scouting available and affordable for 31,000 local girls.