[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WHITE HOUSE FELLOW PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Michelle Peluso, one 
of my constituents of New York City, New York for serving as a 
distinguished 1998-99 White House Fellow.
  Established in 1965, the White House Fellowship Program honors 
outstanding citizens across the United States who demonstrate 
excellence in community service, leadership, academic initiative and 
professional achievement. It is the Nation's most prestigious 
fellowship for public service and leadership development. For more than 
three decades, White House fellows have been chosen on the merit of 
remarkable achievement early in their career. Each year, 500-800 
applicants compete nationwide for 11-19 fellowships.
  Ms. Peluso graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School at the 
University of Pennsylvania, receiving her bachelor's degree in 
economics. As an undergraduate, she led volunteer programs in West 
Philadelphia, including a mentoring program, a campus community service 
group and a volunteer initiative at the Ronald McDonald House. Ms. 
Peluso received a master's degree in philosophy, politics and economics 
from Pembroke College at Oxford. Hired as a management consultant with 
the Boston Consulting Group in New York, she completed a one-year 
project to define the next frontier in health care and then traveled 
worldwide to present her ideas to members of the firm's global health 
care practice area. She founded A New Generation for Peace, a non-
profit group that brought together 350 youths from 50 countries for 
seminars on global issues. Additionally, Ms. Peluso is a member of the 
board of directors of Christa House, which builds homes and provides 
care for end-stage aids patients.
  As a White House fellow assigned to the U.S. Department of Labor, Ms. 
Peluso--has co-managed the Vice-President's summit on 21st Century 
Skills for 21st century jobs, where she was responsible for leading 
inter-agency steering committee meetings, writing speeches and working 
on new policy announcements. She also leads a team that addresses one 
of Labor Secretary Alexis Herman's top priorities, ``out-of-school 
youth.'' In that capacity, Ms. Peluso is responsible for coordinating 
the Department's $2.5 billion portfolio of programs.
  She is also responsible for developing new partnerships and a public 
awareness campaign for the initiative. Further, Ms. Peluso manages the 
Secretary's dislocated workers initiative, which is the Secretary's 
number two priority. Her working involves leading a team of senior 
program managers, economists and public affairs specialists to ensure 
effective management of programs, develop new strategies for worker 
dislocation, and help coordinate grants to communities and businesses 
affected by dislocations.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in applauding Michelle 
Peluso for her achievements. I wish to congratulate Ms. Peluso for her 
distinguished service to White House Fellowship Program.

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