Enrique Dovalina was born in Laredo, Texas on August 18, 1948. He moved with his family to Corpus Christi where he was raised throughout his childhood. Enrique graduated from Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas and achieved an undergraduate degree in Business from A&I in Kingsville, Texas. Thereafter, Enrique worked for the insurance industry.
Enrique Dovalina is survived by his two sons, Navy Chief Petty Officer Richard Jason Dovalina and Michael Dovalina along with his wife of 27 years, Lisa Alcantar Dovalina.
In 1978 he enrolled in the University of Houston Bate’s College of Law in a program where he could earn his Juris Doctorate. In May of 1981, Enrique was licensed as an attorney in Texas. Enrique enjoyed 40 years of practice as an attorney at law and was considered a very proficient, capable and ethical member of the legal profession, practicing primarily in the area of personal injury, worker’s compensation, criminal and family law.
His life of service to the community began early in his career with his involvement in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 673. LULAC is the largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization in the United States, which advocates for Latino educational opportunities, civil rights, voting rights, job training through SER Jobs for Progress and was instrumental in the founding of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF).
While a member of LULAC, Enrique served as President of his Council, District Director of LULAC District 8, National Legal Counsel, various other positions and in 1998 at the LULAC National Convention in Dallas, Texas he was elected the 46th National President of the organization. During his presidency he published the LULAC Civil Rights Manual, opened the state office in Austin and worked closely with Presidents William Clinton and George W. Bush on many critical national civil rights issues. He was re-elected for three more terms and served from 1998 – 2002 as National President. LULAC thrived during his Presidency, which is considered by many to be one of the most successful terms in LULAC modern history.
He remained a tireless advocate for his community for the remainder of his life helping those around him until his last days. His leaves behind a lifetime of civil rights advocacy that stretched more than four decades and a legacy that will be defined by his generosity to the countless people he helped.
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