[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF SHIRLEY RODRIGUEZ REMENESKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of a remarkable 
individual, Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski. Shirley has been an 
inspiration and an energetic force in our community, working tirelessly 
over the past few decades to better the lives of New Yorkers.
  Throughout the years, Shirley has acted as a passionate advocate for 
not only the people of New York, but also for the Hispanic community at 
large. She successfully worked her way through the local government 
getting her first taste of public policy advocacy in the Social 
Services Unit in the Bronx Borough President's Office, then moving on 
to work as the Executive Director of NYS Governor's Office for Hispanic 
Affairs, and then to her most recent appointment in 2002 as the Senior 
Vice President of the Empire State Development's Economic 
Revitalization Division. There is no doubt that Shirley has touched a 
significant number of lives along the way. In 1989 Shirley helped to 
lead relief efforts for the victims and survivors of Hurricane Hugo in 
Puerto Rico. Time and time again, she has selflessly given her talent 
and devotion to improve and enhance the quality of life for others.
  The list of Shirley's accomplishments for our community is plentiful, 
and has led to her recognition as a champion for both the city's 
underserved populations and the Hispanic business community. She has 
received honors for her work by the Puerto Rican Bar Association, 
Verizon, the United Bronx Organization, Governor Pataki, the Girl 
Scouts, El Diario, the New York State Department of Correctional 
Services, the Hispanic Society of the New York/New Jersey Port 
Authority and Hispanic Magazine--and the list goes on.
  This woman is a true leader, public servant, visionary, defender, 
mother and friend. Shirley--and the work she has done--is far more than 
one expects from the average citizen. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise 
today to honor the career and achievements of Shirley Rodriguez 
Remeneski and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
in applauding her outstanding dedication to the residents of New York 
City and the Hispanic community throughout the years. We are all truly 
better off because of her devotion and commitment to us and our city.

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