[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 28 (Monday, February 28, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE VANESSA L. GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2011

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month 2011, I 
rise today to recognize a lawmaker from the Bronx whom I admire 
greatly, the Honorable Vanessa L. Gibson.
  Vanessa is a lifelong resident of New York City and a product of its 
public school system. She graduated from Murray Bergtraum High School 
for Business Careers in 1997 before enrolling in the State University 
of Albany, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 
2001. During her senior year as an undergraduate, Vanessa was offered 
an internship with Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene, a Democrat from the 
Bronx who would become Vanessa's most trusted friend and mentor.
  Vanessa worked for Assemblywoman Greene in every capacity; learning 
the processes of public service from one of the ablest and most 
respected lawmakers in the state. Vanessa first served as Assemblywoman 
Greene's Legislative Analyst, with responsibilities that included 
drafting policies to meet the needs of residents of the 77th Assembly 
District. She worked with community based organizations and diverse 
constituencies to promote laws that offered greater protections for 
renters and people on Section 8, and improved educational opportunities 
for young people from the Bronx. In 2003, Vanessa was promoted to Bronx 
Office District Manager, which increased not only her responsibilities 
but also her prominence within the community. She became the principal 
liaison to Community Boards 4 and 5, in addition to Secretary of the 
Bronx Unity Democratic Club.
  In May 2009, Vanessa received her Master's Degree in Public 
Administration from Baruch College, part of the City University of New 
York, CUNY. Later that year, with support from across the state, 
Vanessa ran for public office and was elected to a seat in the New York 
State Assembly, representing the people of the 77th District, who after 
nearly a decade of service had come to know and respect and trust 
Vanessa's judgment.
  Mr. Speaker, Vanessa L. Gibson earned her public profile through 
loyalty, hard work, but above all, on the power of her considerable 
gifts. Her youth and talent have led many to regard her as one for New 
York's future; but this should not outshine the fact that Vanessa is 
also one for New York's present. She is among the most promising in a 
new wave of elected officials in this country; women and men who 
learned government from the inside and took away its best lessons; 
lessons of respect for ethics; of honesty in public dealings; and of 
fidelity to the best interests of one's constituents. Mr. Speaker, I 
ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing a hugely gifted woman, 
and someone who carries with her the hopes of thousands of New Yorkers, 
including myself, The Honorable Vanessa L. Gibson.

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