[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 67 (Thursday, May 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TO HONOR MS. EMMA TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2005

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
an amazing woman from my district, Emma Torres from Yuma, Arizona. She 
is a role model and inspiration for all; her work and dedication was 
recently recognized, internationally, when she was honored by Mexico's 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Ohtli Award. This award 
acknowledges her contributions to the development of Hispanic 
communities and for her support in social causes. The Ohtli award is 
given to distinguished Hispanic leaders who devote their lives 
promoting and fostering the prosperity of communities in the United 
States. The word Ohtli means ``righteous path'' in Nahuatl.
  Emma has been a strong border community leader and health advocate 
for migrant and seasonal farm workers in Western Arizona for more than 
20 years. After losing her husband to leukemia in 1982, she turned a 
personal and painful life experience into a mission to enhance the 
quality of life of farm workers. She co-founded and is the current 
Executive Director of Campesinos Sin Fronteras, a grassroots, 
community-based organization that uses education and advocacy to 
improve the standard of living for farm workers. Prior to her current 
position, she was the Field Office Director for Puentes de Amistad/
Bridges in Friendship under the leadership of the Arizona Border Health 
Foundation. In 2004, President George W. Bush appointed Emma to the US/
Mexico Border Health Binational Commission.
  She has pioneered the Lay Health Worker/Promotora Model in Arizona 
since 1987, and as a certified Inter-Cultural Affairs (ICA) facilitator 
has led efforts to bring adequate healthcare coverage to our most 
vulnerable populations.
  Most recently Emma accomplished one of her personal dreams--she 
received her degree in social work from Northern Arizona University. 
This is the latest of recognitions for Emma's commitment, persistence, 
and belief in improving one's personal life and that of one's 
community.
  Emma's life is an example to others; pursue one's dreams, believe in 
making change, be strong, and progress will prevail.

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