[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1213-E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WOMEN PIONEERING THE FUTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2003

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History 
Month, I asked New Mexicans to send me nominations of women in New 
Mexico who have given special service to our community, but may have 
never received recognition for their good deeds.
  On Thursday, April 17, 2003, I had the honor and privilege of 
recognizing forty-five worthy nominations describing sacrifices and 
contributions these women have made for our community. The people who 
nominated the women describe the dedication they have witnessed: 
volunteer hours for veterans services, service on nonprofit boards, 
homeless programs, mentors for young women, healthcare providers going 
above the call of duty, child advocates, volunteers at churches and 
synagogues, successful business woman, wives, mothers and friends.
  Allow me to share information about this year's nominees:
  Jan Dodson Barnhart--Jan recently retired as a 30 year employee of 
the University of New Mexico's General Library. She has worked 
diligently to promote historic preservation and recognition of the 
cultural treasures that exist in New Mexico's built environment. She 
served on the Governor's committee on historical records, with the Oral 
History Association, and with the Albuquerque Museum Foundation.
  Dian Baughman--Dian is a nurse at Paloma Blanca Nursing and Rehab 
Center. She works numerous hours dedicating time and service to 
residents of the center to ensure good care and quality of life. During 
her off hours, she travels the state with her husband to provide 
medical assistance to homeless veterans during veterans functions.
  Tess Ruiz Burleson--Tess is the Chief Financial Officer for Lovelace 
Respiratory Research and Director of Lovelace Scientific Research. She 
is also an active Board Member of many community organizations, such as 
Next Generation Economy Initiative, Behavior Health Research, Wells 
Fargo Leadership Council, Performance Arts Charter School, and 
Magnifico/Festival of Arts.
  Joann Castillo--Joann is the Library Director at Carnegie Public 
Library in Las Vegas, NM. Joann is very involved in community 
activities, such as the Las Vegas San Miguel Literacy Volunteers, 
Communities that Care and the Las Vegas Youth Commission. She feels 
that these young men and women are our future and need to be active in 
community events also.
  Alvorn Clifton--Mrs. Clifton has provided the Trumbull Village with a 
legacy of working for the betterment of children, families and our 
community. She is a leader making a difference. As the President of the 
Trumbull Village Neighborhood Association, she advances the lives of 
children through support and guidance. Each year, she hosts Halloween, 
Christmas and Easter parties so the neighborhood kids have a safe place 
to celebrate.

  Leslie Cunningham-Sabo--Leslie works tirelessly as a doctor at 
Pediatrics Department at UNM for obesity and diabetes prevention 
program which works with the pueblos and the Navajo Nation. She 
volunteers at Project Share, Asbury Pie Cafe, and for anybody that 
needs a helping hand.
  Kathy Cyman--Kathy is an Instructor and Adjunct Faculty Member at 
UNM. As a teacher and practicing artist, she maintains a high standard 
of professionalism. She is a tireless worker and role model for women 
who struggle to make a living. She gives her all to her community and 
to aspiring educators.
  Rebecca Dakota--Rebecca is the former Director of the NM Commission 
on the Status of Women. She is supportive of women and works diligently 
to address the issue of domestic violence. She has helped to make 
police departments around NM more aware of the problem so that training 
could be implemented for officers. She has worked to assist poor women 
with job training partnerships and scholarship assistance.
  Brenda Delaurentis--Brenda is Manager of the Payroll Services and 
Financial Training Organization at Sandia National Labs. She has worked 
with ``Shared Vision,'' spearheaded Sandia's involvement in the Science 
and Technology Magnet School initiative sponsored by DOE, and helped 
organize the first ``School to World'' event, a career fair targeting 
8th graders. Brenda has also been a Girl Scout Leader for seven years.
  Gail Doherty--Gail is the state coordinator for Project Linus, which 
provides handmade blankets for needy children. In her 5 years, 5000 
blankets have been distributed to fire victims in Los Alamos, September 
11 Pentagon families and numerous others. Each week, she visits the 
Senior Centers to work with the knitters and weavers to make blankets 
and she takes their therapy-trained dog to Carrie Tingley to visit the 
children.
  Viola Edwards--Mrs. Edwards works tirelessly each month to provide 
food boxes with the Share Program for needy or low income families. 
Monthly, she orders 16-17 food boxes and distributes them to families 
that can use it. She has also collected and recycled clothing to 
provide for the clothing needs of children and families.
  Shannon Enright Smith--As the Executive Director of Resources, Inc., 
Shannon has been a passionate voice for victims of domestic violence, 
especially for the children who witness domestic violence. In a typical 
day, Shannon performs duties from walking a victim through the legal 
system, doing interviews for local media, to testifying before the 
state legislature.
  Deirdre Firth--Deirdre, a Senior Economic Developer for the City of 
Albuquerque, works tirelessly to bring economic vitality to New Mexico. 
She represents the City in the development of the Sandia Science and 
Technology Park, a public/private partnership which is bringing 
thousands of high-paying technology jobs to New Mexico.
  Linda Flanigan--Linda has lived in Albuquerque for most of her life. 
She has helped teenagers with career and life decisions. She was a 
Brownie Troop Sponsor and she helps people recover from various 
addictions and through family problems through her activity and her 
community church.
  Linda Fleisher--Linda is a Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator. Her 
inspiration and driving force were instrumental in bringing a 
``rebirth'' to the Alta Monte Neighborhood. She has inspired many 
landlords to participate in the program, making great strides in 
improving

[[Page E1214]]

the quality of life for the residents of the neighborhood.
  Annabell Gallegos--Annabell manages the ``Keep Albuquerque Beautiful/
Keep America Beautiful'' program for the City of Albuquerque. The 
department tries to change customer behavior and get the public to 
``recycle'' and be aware of what a clean environment means for our 
future. Teacher and student training, field trips and community clean-
ups are just a few of Annabell's many accomplishments.

  Cindy Hansen--Cindy is the Resident Care Director at the Cottages of 
Albuquerque for Alzheimer's Specialty Care. She cares and helps the 
families get through the ``long death.'' She spends what little free 
time she has talking to and holding the hands of residents. Her love 
for both the residents and their families is apparent.
  Blesila Hartom--Blesila has served as a registered nurse for 
Presbyterian, Health South and University Hospitals for fifteen years. 
She is also a proud member of the Filipino-American Association, 
serving on several committees and participating in numerous fundraising 
activities. She has become a part of the Filipino Historical Society to 
establish a foundation that recognizes the importance of Filipino 
heritage.
  Elizabeth Holm--Elizabeth is a computational materials scientist at 
Sandia National Labs. She is active in the Albuquerque Chapter of the 
American Society for Metals and she is a mentor of many young women in 
the sciences. She is very involved in the Albuquerque schools, serving 
as a guest science speaker, science instructor, book fair host, and 
debate and speech tournament judge.
  Kathleen Holt--Kathleen is a Technologist in the Environmental 
Decisions and WIPP Support organization. As an adviser to the La Cueva 
Key Club, she has involved students in leadership training and 
strategic planning experiences as well as mentoring many of the kids. 
She teaches students mediation and arbitration techniques and has 
organized day-long experiential leadership training events for high 
school students.
  Debbie Hughes--Debbie is the dynamic force behind the rise of the New 
Mexico Agricultural community to the status it is beginning to enjoy 
today. As Executive Director of the NM Association of Conservation 
Districts, she has been instrumental in bringing agricultural issues 
and solutions to the forefront. She has been a leader in crafting and 
executing this most prominent New Mexico water conservation project.
  Diana Jackson--Diana is an Administrator in the Attorney General's 
office and she manages her tasks with skill and grace. She is also 
quite active in her church, First United Methodist, taking on many 
volunteer efforts. Through her commitment to community and church, she 
has become increasingly involved in the social dilemmas confronting our 
society and works behind the scenes to make a difference.
  Elsie Kear--Elsie came to NM as an R.N. and decided to start nursing 
at the OB/GYN ward at the Base Hospital (run by the Army at the time). 
Elsie soon became acquainted with the other 3 major hospitals in 
Albuquerque by becoming a ``Pool Nurse.'' One of her biggest challenges 
was flying out of the local airport, picking up patients in NM and 
Texas and bringing them back to the Veteran's Hospital in Albuquerque.
  Blanche Lange--Mrs. Lange served WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam 
veterans. She also taught nursing at Einstein Medical Center, 
Philadelphia, and at UNM. At the age of 84, she still provides comfort 
and support to all who ask. She is an Associate Professor at UNM's 
College of Nursing, was published in the Journal of Nursing, and she 
has received commendations from UNM, the VA, and other Veterans 
organizations.
  Dr. Mary Lipscomb--Dr. Lipscomb is the chair of Pathology at the 
University of New Mexico. In addition, she is the principal 
investigator for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Asthma 
Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) grant. She is an internationally 
recognized expert in pulmonary immunity who has mentored numerous 
students, fellows, and faculty.
  Laurel Moore--Laurel Moore is the Project Manager for Strengthening 
Quality in Schools, an initiative that has improved the New Mexico K-12 
education system. Laurel has worked tirelessly to improve New Mexico's 
schools through the use of Quality principles and the Malcolm Baldridge 
Criteria for Performance Excellence.
  Carolyn Moralez--Carolyn has been the primary caregiver for the past 
two and a half years for her mother who has ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). 
This terminal illness has touched Carolyn's life so deeply that she has 
dedicated herself to raising money to find a cure for the disease, 
building awareness, and helping other caregivers cope with the life 
changes this disease has on its victims and their families.
  Christine Morgan--Chris is a Distinguished Member of the Technical 
Staff Systems in the Adaptive Cyber Systems Deployment and Control 
Organization at Sandia Laboratories. She is a trained facilitator; a 
Master Trainer for adults and girls for the Girl Scouts; member of the 
Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council; and an 
advisor/leader/Assistant Scoutmaster for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 
Cub Scouts.
  Tina Nenoff--Tina is a Materials Chemist at Sandia National 
Laboratories. She is active in mentoring numerous students through 
Women in Science and Engineering at the University of New Mexico. Tina 
served as the past President and is currently a volunteer for the 
Women's Community Association, helping women subjected to domestic 
violence. Tina also volunteers at St. Martin's Hospitality Center for 
the homeless.
  Carolyn Olona--Carolyn is one of our nursing unsung heroines. Carolyn 
began her nursing career as a student nurse in September 1961 and has 
continued to this day in various areas of nursing. Finally, she spent 
the last twenty one years at Sandia Laboratory as an Occupational 
Health Nurse. Carolyn is a highly dedicated, professional Registered 
Nurse. Her focus is always the welfare of the patient, above all else.
  Dr. Renee Ornelas--Dr. Ornelas examines children suspected to have 
been sexually abused. She has been a child sex abuse expert since 1990 
and uses her expertise to ensure sex offenders are convicted and the 
children they scar are well taken care of. Presently, Doctor Ornelas 
serves as the Director of Para Los Ninos, a specialized clinic which 
handles the medical exams for children who are victims of sexual abuse.
  Georgianna Pena-Kues--Georgianna is recognized for her years of 
commitment to the well-being of her neighborhood, community, and the 
Bataan Corrigedor Veterans Association. In addition, as a board member 
of the Bataan Corrigedor Veterans Association, Georgianna was 
instrumental in the planning, funding, and publicizing the new memorial 
in Bataan Park.
  Wynona Ratliff--She and her late husband, Jack, were missionaries to 
South America for almost 20 years. In 1975, they bought Sunset Mesa 
Schools and turned it into one of the best private schools in New 
Mexico. They have been involved in a multitude of charitable and 
community activities including the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches.
  Martha Romero--Martha has been nominated to be recognized as a 
``Hometown Hero'' with KOB-TV Channel 4. She raised 9 children. She is 
most famous for her Annual Chili Roasting sales and the hundreds of 
beautiful quilts that she makes. She gives endlessly to her children, 
her extended family, her friends and her community.
  Patsy Sanchez--Patsy serves as the Lincoln County Planning Director 
with tremendous responsibilities. Her greatest strength is her 
unwavering goal toward an accurate accounting of the water resources in 
the county. She urges commissioners to seek legislative allocations for 
water and for changing rules regarding land and water issues.
  Kaye Sinclair--Kaye has held central positions in Albuquerque Radio 
Emergency Services, which handles all communications for any Search and 
Rescue emergency in the state. She has also served on the board of the 
Emergency Services Council, a meeting of all rescue groups in New 
Mexico and surrounding areas. Kaye has given at least a decade and a 
half to rescue and emergency service for New Mexico.
  Jackie Lee Barnes Brown Soderstrom--Jackie is known for being a 
loving and caring person who gives of herself without asking for 
anything in return. She cared for her mother as she was dying and she 
is the caregiver to her husband. Among Jackie's accomplishments, she 
was crowned Miss New Mexico in 1957 and Mrs. New Mexico in 1979.

  Amy Tapia--Amy is a Program Manager in the corporate Outreach 
Organization at Sandia National Laboratories. As the project Leader for 
School to World, she led a team of business and education 
representatives in putting on the most successful career 
familiarization event in the state. Amy also developed the CroSSlinks 
program to match Sandia scientists, engineers and technicians with 
schools, teachers, and students to help them appreciate the wonders of 
science and technology.
  Tia Turco--Tia is a teacher at La Cueva High School. She works 
tirelessly for the benefit of others. In addition to teaching 6 classes 
a day, Tia serves as the sponsor and coach of the La Cueva High School 
Speech and Debate team. Her responsibilities include organizing a team 
of over 30 members.
  Jennifer Wade--Jennifer works more than full-time as an officer of a 
locally headquartered, publicly traded technology company, SBS 
Technologies. She also serves on her Church's Council, prepares meals 
for the UNM Campus Ministry. Jennifer also donates her time to Project 
Share.
  Patsy Welch--Patsy works on Kirtland Air Force Base. A few months 
ago, she noticed that some of the Security Force entry controllers 
(gate guards) didn't have gloves on during

[[Page E1215]]

cold days and she felt sorry for their freezing hands. She went to Wal-
Mart and bought every black pair of gloves they had and put them in her 
car. Now, every time she goes through the gate, if the guard doesn't 
have gloves, she asks if they want a pair.
  Dominique Wilson--As the program coordinator for Critical Skills 
Development at Sandia National Laboratories, Dominique advances 
workforce development by merging critical skills needs of the national 
laboratories with the resources of APS, TVI, UNM and Sandia technical 
staff to create pipeline programs to benefit middle and high school 
students. She has established advanced learning academies for 
Albuquerque students, creating opportunities for post-secondary 
education and technical internships in math and science.
  Anne Haines Yatskowitz--Anne is the President and CEO and one of the 
ACCION New Mexico principal founders. She served on boards of Jewish 
Family Services and Jewish Federation of Greater Albuquerque. She was a 
member of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Leadership 
Albuquerque program and she served as Chair of the Chamber's Maxie 
Anderson Award Selection Committee.
  Elisabeth Zimmer--Elisabeth gives her time to help young pregnant 
girls and young mothers in Albuquerque. Following a successful career 
with Intel, she has done volunteer work at Maria Amadea Shelter. Last 
year, she started a non-profit organization to create a residential 
program for pregnant teens and mothers. Life Options Academy is the 
projected goal and it will help many young women in our community.
  Lt. Katherine Zimmerman--Kate is an outstanding Air Force Officer 
supporting Ballistic Missile Defense development. She is the 
Detachment's blood drive organizer and she collected over 180 pints. 
She is also a Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer, and recruited 18 
volunteers from UNM. Kate was the UNM Spring Storm organizer, 
recruiting over 700 students, faculty and alumni to perform 82 
community service projects.

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