[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL MONTH: RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING 
                CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to six 
Hispanic-American women for their distinguished public service and 
selfless dedication to their community. These exceptional individuals 
will be honored by the National Association of Cuban American Women at 
its annual dinner on March 15, 1997, at Las Palmas Restaurant in West 
New York, NJ.
  The National Association of Cuban American Women has a long history 
of recognizing the accomplishments of extraordinary women within the 
Hispanic community. Under the direction of President Siomara Sanchez 
Guerra, this organization has grown in stature through the profound 
impact of the work of its numerous members. These women have and 
continue to serve as positive role models for individuals in search of 
a better understanding of what can be achieved when people dedicate 
themselves to a lifetime of excellence.
  This year's presentations are being made under two noteworthy 
categories: Outstanding Achievement Awards and the Elena Mederos 
Awards. Four exceptional women have been selected to receive the 
Outstanding Achievement Awards. Ms. Emma Moreno is a proficient member 
of the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Zulima V. 
Farber, Esq., has served as a public defender and advocate for the 
State of New Jersey from 1992 to 1994. Estella M. DeLaCruz, Esq., was 
recently nominated for a judgeship in the State of New Jersey. Nilda C. 
Hernandez was the first Hispanic judge appointed to the State Division 
of Worker's Compensation. Each woman has made a significant 
contribution to the lives of everyone they have touched.
  The two exemplary individuals who will receive the Elena Mederos 
Award come from diverse backgrounds. Natacha S. Millan serves the 
people of Miami as a commissioner for district 12 in Metropolitan Dade 
County, FL. Many of the residents of my district have ties to people in 
Commissioner Millan's area. Dr. Iris Martinez-Arroyo is a dean and 
professor at Kean College in New Jersey. She has had numerous 
community-oriented work assignments, including the directorship of the 
bilingual program of the Newark Board of Education until 1996. Their 
work transcends ethnic barriers and focuses most importantly on the 
human spirit. For these endeavors they have earned the admiration of 
their communities as well as my own.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring these remarkable women 
for all they have done for their respective communities. Each woman has 
contributed greatly to the varied interests of the residents of the 
northern New Jersey area. I am proud to have them working on behalf of 
the members of my district.

                          ____________________