[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E949-E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  A TRIBUTE TO MRS. MATRICE ELLIS-KIRK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to 
acknowledge the accomplishments and work of Mrs. Matrice Ellis-Kirk of 
Dallas.
  Mrs. Kirk is of course known as our city's first lady, wife of Dallas 
Mayor Ron Kirk. However, it is an understatement when I say that she is 
a respected individual in her own right. Dallasites hold her in high 
esteem and regard because while being the Mayor's closest and strongest 
political ally, she is an Executive Search Consultant for an 
international executive search firm in Dallas and the mother of two 
beautiful children.
  I join many men and women in Dallas in being particularly impressed 
by her commitment to serving the greater Dallas area community. She is 
focused in strengthening our city as she is in strengthening 
opportunities in her field and for her family.
  Amid her great accomplishments as an executive, mother and first 
lady, Mrs. Kirk's personality is as such that she would not like us

[[Page E950]]

to focus on her contributions and service to Dallas. This attitude was 
instilled in her by her family growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and to 
this day, she continues to adhere to the qualities of humility, style 
and class. In this case, she is truly a good example of this city which 
is inherent of style and class.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to those qualities, she took the lessons of 
achievement and excellence with her to the University of Pennsylvania, 
double majoring in Economics and Finance. Keenly focused on success as 
a woman in our society, she moved to a city that is a blueprint of 
success in Dallas. Before coming to Dallas, she spent time in New York 
until she learned where the real ``first-class'' city was in America.
  Mr. Speaker, since that move, she has been a vigorous advocate of 
many community and social causes. Not only has Mrs. Kirk made her mark 
in her career, she has given back to a city that has yielded her 
opportunities. She recently chaired the 15th Annual African-American 
Museum Gala, which was a successful event under her stewardship.
  She is also Chair Elect of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, an 
organization that awards scholarships to MBA's. As a model to young 
women in our area, she is a member of the Advisory Board of Girls, Inc. 
and recently completed service on the YWCA Board.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Kirk was recently the cover story of an area 
magazine that focused on her three-pronged approach to life: Family, 
service and career excellence. In the article, Mrs. Kirk mentioned that 
she is blessed and has a lot to give. It is clear through seeing her 
great children, community involvement and strong support of her husband 
and this city, that Mrs. Kirk has truly given back to us and blessed us 
with a great example for all women.

                          ____________________