[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 78 (Thursday, June 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO ADELANTE EAGLE AWARD RECIPIENT AMORY RAMIREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Amory Ramirez, a recipient of 
the 2001 Adelante Eagle Award.
  Adelante and the California Migrant Leadership Council is dedicated 
to empowering the Latino community in California by developing 
opportunities in education, economic development and the political 
process.
  The Adelante Eagle Award is presented annually to individuals who 
have made a commitment to California and have made positive 
contributions to the betterment of our community.
  Past Eagle Award recipients include Congressman Joe Baca, 
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Educators Mario Muniz, Carolyn and Jim 
Bartleson, Jim White, Business persons Mary Lou Gomez and Maria Dolores 
Andrade, just to name a few.
  Amory Ramirez serves as the Executive Director of Quality Children's 
Services (QCS). Prior to leading QCS, Amory's professional experience 
began with the Encinitas Union School District where she served from 
1975 to 1990. Her positions included Bilingual Community Aide, Migrant 
Statistical Aide, Preschool Teacher, and Center Director. Amory served 
as President of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) for 
six years. During her 15 years of service in Encinitas she was known as 
an advocate for children, migrant families, employees and community 
issues.
  In 1990 Amory accepted the position of Associate Program Director 
with the YMCA of East Bay. Ms. Ramirez supervised two Child Development 
Centers and five after school child care programs and managed a budget 
of over $1 million. After two years of proven leadership, Amory Ramirez 
was promoted to Manager of the Child Development Department and was 
responsible for 12 childcare sites. By 1998 Ms. Ramirez's department 
was responsible for 43 sites located throughout the counties of 
Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Placer, Sacramento, 
Santa Clara and Yolo and managed a budget of over $7 million.
  Amory received recognition for her leadership skills, fiscal 
management, staff development, outstanding teamwork and quality child 
development programs from the YMCA of the East Bay and the California 
Department of Education.
  In 1998 Amory and four colleagues had a dream to establish a non-
profit organization that would provide quality services for children 
and families and empower child development staff while maintaining a 
fiscally sound program. This dream came true with the formation of 
Quality Children's Services.
  Since 1998, QCS has operated the Encinitas Migrant Child Development 
Center serving 72 infants, toddlers and preschool age migrant children. 
Within two years QCS added five afterschool programs in collaboration 
with the Encinitas, Poway, and Oceanside School Districts serving over 
450 students. In 2001 QCS in partnership with SELECO-WIB of Los Angeles 
and the Madera Coalition for Community Justice will be establishing 
five additional State Preschool Programs and Child Development Centers. 
Under Ms. Amory's leadership, QCS has begun the development of Casa de 
Ninos in Oceanside, California, which will serve 112 preschool 
children.
  Ms. Amory Ramirez is also serving as the Associate Executive Director 
with the Redlands YMCA and is utilizing her area of expertise to 
develop strong kids, strong families and a strong community.
  For all she has done on behalf of the Latino community, we salute 
Amory Ramirez.

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