[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SONIA GUTIERREZ ON 40 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CARLOS ROSARIO 
                  INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the many achievements of Ms. Sonia Gutierrez who is 
celebrating 40 years of service as President and Founder of the Carlos 
Rosario International Public Charter School in Washington, DC.
  Since 1972, Ms. Gutierrez has dedicated her life to educating and 
empowering diverse immigrant communities in our nation's capital. In 
her capacity as Director of the Program of English Instruction for 
Latin Americans (PEILA), Ms. Gutierrez transformed the small, under-
funded English as a Second Language (ESL) program into a comprehensive 
adult education program, known today as the Carlos Rosario 
International Public Charter School.
  At the school, Ms. Gutierrez has led a highly qualified, diverse, and 
dedicated team of faculty and staff to improve the lives of over 60,000 
adult immigrants. Ms. Gutierrez's passion and tenacity are evident in 
her unwavering dedication to these individuals, giving them a chance to 
transform their lives.
  Ms. Gutierrez's service has not only impacted the students at Carlos 
Rosario, but the DC public at-large. Her ongoing leadership and 
inspired vision provide opportunities for the DC immigrant population 
to become invested, productive citizens and members of American society 
who give back to family and community.
  Ms. Gutierrez has received recognition from the District of Columbia, 
the DC Board of Education, national and local Latino organizations, and 
from organizations in the African-American and the Asian communities. 
In 2001 she was one of the first four inductees to the Hall of Fame of 
the National Charter Schools. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business 
Administration and a Master's degree in Adult Education specializing in 
Supervision and Administration of Adult Education Programs. Ms. 
Gutierrez established the Council of Latino Agencies in 1977 and 
together with Jose Gutierrez and other community leaders was 
instrumental in creating the mayor's Office of Latino Affairs.
  Ms. Gutierrez continues to make transformative contributions to 
immigrant and non-immigrant communities alike in DC and nationwide. She 
is presently focused on ensuring the growth and long term 
sustainability of the Carlos Rosario School's award-winning model. In 
2013, a new workforce development satellite site, located in northeast 
DC, will be dedicated to Ms. Gutierrez--the Sonia Gutierrez Campus.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of all Ms. Sonia Gutierrez has done for the 
community of Washington, DC, it is only fitting that she be honored for 
her many years of dedication. Her tireless passion as a principal, 
counselor, advocate, and organizer has contributed immensely to the 
betterment of the immigrant community and our community as a whole. I 
ask that you join me in recognizing Ms. Gutierrez and her continued 
service.

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