Julia Soto Zozaya. Woman Activist and Community Service through LULAC.


Julia Soto Zozaya was born March 23, 1926. She married Mr. Steve Zozaya. They had one child. Julia studied business at Lamson Business College, Phoenix.

Julia Zozaya, served and held different positions of leadership in the local and national League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) including national vice-president, 1968-97. Government employment: Julia Zozaya worked with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, 1966 to 1982, and later worked with U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini's Arizona office.

Julia Zozaya established Arizona's first 24- hour Spanish language radio station KNNN in Phoenix, 1981. Julia launched American International Diversified, a single proprietorship company, 1985. The Arizona Real Estate Bulletin, vol. XVII, No. 3, November 1992 reported how Julia overcame a disability of being legally blind and acquired her salesperson's license. In 1997, Julia embarked on a new career with Primerica Financial Services.

 










Julia's service in numerous organizations and committees included: The National Federation for the Blind, vice-president, 1965; National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, founder and first regional vice-president, 1975-77;United Way, 1970-75; Arizona Rehabilitation Association, board member, 1970-76;White House Conference on Aging, 1971; President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, 1971-78; National Council on Aging, 1972-75; founder of ABRAZAR Research Project, 1974-78;Chicanos Por La Causa,1975-78; Arizona Academy of Town Halls, board member, 1976; Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,1978-97; MUJER, Inc., 1982-86; Governor's Arizona/Mexico Commission, board member, 1986; G.I. Forum National Education Foundation,1991; and White House Hispanic Alliance for Free Trade, 1991.

Julia Zozaya won numerous awards: The "Woman of the Year," by LULAC; "Felix Tijerina Award for Outstanding Community Service," presented by LULAC, 1969,1970; "Governor's Citation," presented by Governor Bruce Babbitt for outstanding community service to Arizona, 1978; "Hall of Fame" presented by LULAC, 1996; listed in Who's Who in Arizona, 1984; and listed in the Marquis Who's Who of American Women (15th Edition), 1987.