On October 7th, 2024, Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla was honored with the Eleanor Roosevelt Award by the Utah Democratic Party. This prestigious recognition celebrates women who exemplify the leadership, advocacy, and courage that Eleanor Roosevelt embodied, particularly in their contributions to the Democratic Party and the State of Utah. Senator Escamilla, the first Latina elected to the Utah Senate and the first immigrant elected to the Utah State Legislature, joins an esteemed cohort of trailblazers.
In her 16 years of service, Senator Escamilla has championed policies that uplift working families and children, advancing critical issues like health care access, food security, childcare, and more. Through her relentless advocacy, she has become a beacon of hope and progress for communities often marginalized and forgotten.
During the award ceremony, Dr. Jen Seelig, former House Minority Leader and past Eleanor Roosevelt awardee, offered heartfelt remarks:
“Luz is extraordinarily impactful, and she never gives up. Even when it hurts, even when it’s hard, even when hate comes knocking at the door wanting a place to call home. Luz transforms these battles and heartbreaks into success, into better tomorrows for all of us, for those frequently forgotten, unheard, and unseen.”
Senator Escamilla, met with a standing ovation, delivered deeply moving remarks:
“I remember knocking on doors with my daughter—she was just 2½ years old. We walked Senate District 1 (now S.D. 10) three times, and I would take her with me. Often, a man would answer the door and say he couldn’t vote for me because he was a Republican, but in the background, I could see their wives motioning that they would be voting for me. I was elected by women, and I have always felt supported by women.
“It started with my grandma, who fought for better parks in a poor area of Mexico. Her fight, and the fight of women everywhere, has always been for something better. I carry that legacy with me. Today, as I stand at the University of Utah—the first place I came to when I moved to the U.S. at 18—it feels like coming full circle. This place gave me a sense of belonging when I felt completely out of place. I found the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, a small office on the second floor of the Union building. That office no longer exists since HB 261, and instead of moving forward, we seem to be moving backward. But that office gave me safety, and without it, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s when I understood what the American Dream was about—the disparities, but also the opportunities this country offers.”
Escamilla’s speech powerfully resonated as she spoke of her early campaign as a young mother and immigrant running for the Utah Senate at 27 years old. Her journey was full of challenges, but it was her determination and passion for equity that pushed her forward. “I’m inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt, who, like so many women in Utah, faced doubts and challenges simply because of her gender. Even now, I am asked who takes care of my children—questions I’ve never heard directed at my male colleagues. Yet, we continue to push forward.”
Senator Escamilla is the true embodiment of the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her leadership style—tenacious, thoughtful, and bold—has driven groundbreaking legislation and initiatives that many thought impossible for Democrats in Utah. As she continues her work in the Utah Senate, Senator Escamilla remains steadfast in her commitment to fighting for equality, justice, and the well-being of Utah’s most vulnerable.
