[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1091-E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF RENEE D. MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Renee D. Martinez for 
becoming the first woman and first Latina to achieve a position at the 
level of permanent Vice President of Workforce Education and Economic 
Development in the history of East Los Angeles College in Monterey 
Park, California.
  Throughout her entire professional career, Ms. Martinez has remained 
committed to improving educational access and opportunities for the 
community. Ms. Martinez began serving the East Los Angeles community in 
1968 at the Hammel Street Children Center as a teacher, consultant and 
supervisor.
  In 1974, Ms. Martinez joined East Los Angeles College as a 
coordinator for the Outreach Education Associate Program for Education 
Aides. She then became a professor in the Child Development program and 
soon became the Chairperson for the Family & Consumer Studies 
Department. Shortly after, Ms.

[[Page E1092]]

Martinez became Co-Director and Trainer of the Independent Living 
Program for Adults and Teenagers. From there, Ms. Martinez became 
Director of the Foster Care Education Program. In 1995, Ms. Martinez 
was appointed Director/Associate Dean of Student Activities. In 1996, 
Ms. Martinez was promoted to Dean of Academic Affairs. Since 2000, she 
has served as temporary Vice President of Workforce Education and 
Economic Development.
  In addition to her professional contributions to the East Los Angeles 
College community, Ms. Martinez has spent her time and energy serving 
on numerous advisory committees for organizations like: East Los 
Angeles YMCA, Las Madrinas de Montebello, Friends of El Centro Mental 
Health Center, Latinas Partners for Health HIV/AIDS, and many others. 
Ms. Martinez's commitment to the community and hard work earned her 
various awards, such as: the Mexican American Alumni Award, 1992; 
National Head Start Latino Leadership, 2000; and Director of the Year-
Foster Care Education, 1994.
  Ms. Martinez currently resides in Hacienda Heights, CA. She earned 
her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University of Los 
Angeles and a Master of Arts degree from University of San Francisco.
  It gives me great pride to honor and congratulate Renee D. Martinez 
for achieving the position of permanent Vice President of Workforce 
Education and Economic Development at East Los Angeles College and her 
many contributions to our community.

                          ____________________