[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1537-E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO GILDA BOJORQUEZ-GJURICH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2007

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding

[[Page E1538]]

member of the Los Angeles-area business and civic community and a woman 
of true distinction, Gilda Bojorquez-Gjurich.
  Raised in east Los Angeles, Gilda graduated from Garfield High School 
and Woodbury University in Burbank, where she majored in accounting. 
Following graduation, she put her education to work, pursuing a career 
as a general contractor and becoming a partner in an Alhambra-based 
construction firm. It was a successful and top-rated venture, 
reflecting her keen business sense and her ability to break through the 
glass ceiling as a woman in the construction industry.
  Complementing her success in the business community, Gilda has spent 
decades making extensive civic contributions, serving on the board of 
directors for various nonprofit organizations and working to improve 
the lives of those less fortunate in the greater Los Angeles community.
  For many years, Gilda has been a key member of Las Madrinas, an 
informal group of dedicated advocates mentoring the young women at 
Ramona Continuation High School in east Los Angeles. She has provided 
financial resources, and recruited volunteers and role models to help 
inspire and guide these young women working to turn their lives around 
in the school's alternative learning environment.
  In 1989 Gilda became a founding member of Hispanas Organized for 
Political Equality, HOPE, and she continues to play a dynamic and 
influential role in the organization. Over the past two decades, HOPE 
has become a vibrant nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to 
ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, 
advocacy, and education.
  In 1991 Gilda cofounded HOPE's annual symposium entitled, A Proud 
Past . . . A Powerful Tomorrow. To date, the symposium has welcomed 
more than 3,000 Latinas who have come together to learn about issues 
important to our community. Gilda was also instrumental in getting 
local, county, and State officials to declare the annual symposium date 
as Latina History Day, celebrated on the second Friday in March to 
commemorate the historic achievements of Latinas.
  Gilda was also pivotal in the growth and success of the Mexican 
American Opportunity Foundation, established in 1963 to serve 
disadvantaged individuals and families in the Los Angeles area. She was 
chair of the foundation's National Hispanic Women's Conference, and is 
credited with helping the group become a multi-million dollar 
organization that serves more than 100,000 low-to-moderate income 
Latinos throughout seven counties in California providing high quality 
social services and programs to those communities where need is the 
greatest. Gilda continues to serve on the board of directors for the 
organization.

  While her advocacy on behalf of Hispanics has made her a loved and 
well known figure throughout Los Angeles, Gilda has also served with 
distinction and earned recognition at the State and national level. 
Over the years, she has served three Presidents in appointed positions, 
including her appointments to the Commission on International Women's 
Year, the National Advisory Council on Women's Educational Programs, 
and as an emissary to evaluate the revolution in Nicaragua. California 
Governor Gray Davis presented her with a commendation for exemplary 
community service in recognition of her years of service on behalf of 
her fellow Angelenos.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Gilda as she celebrates her 80th year and a lifetime of commitment to 
the economic empowerment of Los Angeles communities and Latinas across 
the Nation. Gilda exemplifies what it is to be a role model--not just 
for Latinas, but for all Americans. Latino families in Los Angeles, the 
State and the Nation are truly fortunate to have such a devoted 
advocate, and I am equally blessed by her friendship that I look 
forward to cherishing for many years to come.

                          ____________________