[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E964-E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING TERESA A. RODGES AS THE 2012 WOMAN OF THE YEAR FOR THE 
         LAMBDA RHO ZETA CHAPTER OF THE ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary member of 
our community, Mrs. Teresa A. Rodges, for her abundant service to the 
community and her outstanding achievements as recognized by the Lambda 
Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.'s 29th Finer Womanhood 
Luncheon.
  Mrs. Rodges dedicates both her free time and professional career to 
community service. She has held top-level executive positions at 
organizations that work to make a difference in the community, 
including Matrix Human Services in Detroit, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital 
in Pontiac, and her current position as Executive Director of the 
McLaren Oakland Riley Foundation.
  As an outstanding member of her community, Mrs. Rodges saw a need to 
help those experiencing economic misfortune and unemployment in Pontiac 
and the surrounding area. Realizing fewer women could afford health 
insurance, Mrs. Rodges created the Sister & Sister Free Mammogram 
Program in 2007. She worked relentlessly to raise funds in order to 
ensure adequate care for economically disadvantaged women. The Sister & 
Sister program has provided over 3,000 free mammogram screenings, 
detected breast cancer in several women, and provided follow-up 
treatment to women in need. With the leadership of Mrs. Rodges, funds 
were raised to purchase a digital mammography system. This program and 
Mrs. Rodges have received recognition and support from elected 
officials statewide.
  Mrs. Rodges has also dedicated her time to helping the Pontiac school 
system. As a member of the Pontiac Promise Zone Authority Board, she 
was instrumental in raising $750,000 in funding for scholarships to 
Pontiac students. She also created the Riley Scholars program to 
recruit mentors, hire managers, and tutors to ensure that every student 
in the Pontiac School District has access to postsecondary education.
  An astonishing number of boards and committees for local non-profits 
have been the beneficiaries of Mrs. Rodges commitment to helping 
others. Some of the boards and committees she has served on include: 
the Women's Survival Center, Oakland University School of Nursing Board 
of Visitors, Baker College Business Advisory Committee, and the United 
Way Executive Committee. Mrs. Rodges' service to these and other local 
organizations shows her dedication to the community and over the years 
they have recognized her with many awards for her leadership and 
service.

[[Page E965]]

  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Teresa A. Rodges has dedicated her life to helping 
others in need. From organizing post-secondary education programs to 
creating affordable mammogram screenings for underprivileged women, she 
is a role model to the community and the epitome of an excellent 
leader. She has changed and saved the lives of many people through her 
service. I am pleased to honor Mrs. Rodges as the Lambda Rho Zeta 
Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority recognizes her as its 2012 Woman of 
the Year.

                          ____________________