DALLAS - She has a name most people recognize, Adelfa Callejo.
She is an attorney, community activist and one of the most-respected Hispanic leaders in the Southwest.
Callejo has won many accolades in her lifetime and on Wednesday she will be honored by a group of influential Latinas, who call themselves the Hispanic 100.
"I think there have been a lot of improvements, a lot of changes, but we still have a long way to go," said Callejo.
At 88 years old, Callejo has seen a lot in her lifetime.
She was the first Hispanic female to graduate from Southern Methodist University Law School. She has been a leader in the community for years.
Callejo fought for rights of Hispanics, leading many rallies in hopes of reforming immigration laws. She is still fighting -- to get low performing schools in Dallas up to par.
"It should be our moral obligation to do something helping the principals of those schools change the schools from low-performing to exemplary, and it can be done," Callejo said. "We have the resources and the leadership; it's a question of doing it."
Callejo tackled many obstacles in her lifetime, including a recent battle against colon and breast cancer. She is winning that fight.
"I'm cancer free, and that's due to a lot of prayers from all over, Honduras," she said. "It was a very humbling experience to know so many people cared. I am very blessed being loved by so many people, so it is a very happy day for me today."
The National Football League will honor Callejo Monday night at the Cowboys home opener with a National Hispanic Leadership award.
E-mail gcampos@wfaa.com
