[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO JOSE ANTONIO ZAPATA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jose Antonio 
Zapata for his dedication to his community and excellence in his field.
  A personable and dedicated retail bank professional, Jose Antonio 
Zapata is the oldest of three sons raised in Bronx, New York by proud 
parents Honoria Guaba and Antonio Zapata. Jose's parents left their 
native country of the Dominican Republic and migrated to the United 
States with the hope of giving their children a better life. His 
parents instilled in him that dedication, hard work, higher education 
and motivation will lead to success in life.
  Graduating from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, Jose 
immersed himself in becoming a noteworthy athlete in Track and Field. 
He also volunteered throughout the Bronx, through such deeds as helping 
in the clean up project at Van Cortland Park.
  With his mother's relentless support for academic advancement, Jose 
earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Baruch College in Real Estate 
and Metropolitan Development. He chose this field in hopes of filling 
the need of affordable housing in underserved communities. However, he 
soon realized that having a solid understanding of financial services 
would enable an individual to go much further than being provided 
affordable shelter. Ever since then he has focused his efforts on the 
financial industry.
  Mr. Zapata is now a highly accomplished bilingual management 
professional with expertise in retail banking and an interest in micro-
finance. Jose joined Citibank, a leading global financial services 
company, in 2004 and quickly became an award-winning employee, earning 
the 2005 CitiStars Top Sales Producer Award. He also became Chair of 
the Community Outreach and Professional Development Committee for the 
Citigroup Hispanic Network and Editor of the Citibank Management 
Association newsletter. His hard work continued to pay off as he was 
selected to work on high-profile initiatives for the previous chairman 
and C.E.O. of Citibank North America.
  Jose quickly moved on to becoming Branch Manager of Citibank's 
Liberty Avenue branch where he has had great success. Through his 
management, Citibank's Liberty Avenue Branch is intensely focused on 
serving its clients, customers, and community through branch 
involvement in events such as the Bangladesh Festival, the Mobile 
Mexican Consulate, Community Board Meetings, and various customer 
appreciation initiatives.
  Prior to joining Citibank, Jose provided marketing support for Gala 
Resources LLC and Powerhouse Mortgage and Funding and sale support for 
the Unicasa Realty. When he is not working, he loves playing 
basketball, and nurturing his younger brothers' affinity for the sport. 
He is also a boxing aficionado. Jose now hopes to continue his 
educational endeavors and entering a graduate program of study in the 
near future.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
achievements of Jose Antonio Zapata.

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