[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ISABEL E. VILLAR-

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Isabel E. 
Villar for her dedication to her community, most notably to the 
Hispanic Community in Westchester County, New York.
  A Cuban native and immigrant, Ms. Villar experienced first-hand the 
problems presented by language barriers and cultural differences for 
newcomers to this country. In response, she has dedicated herself to 
improving the lives of Hispanic immigrants throughout Westchester.
  As an advocate for education, Ms. Villar founded the Brien McMahon 
Hispanic Alumni Association. The Association provides role models and 
mentors to Hispanic students at Brien McMahon High School and 
scholarships to graduating seniors.
  Ms. Villar founded El Centro Hispano in White Plains, New York, which 
is a comprehensive resource for Hispanic residents in Westchester. It 
offers numerous community programs, including parenting classes, 
tutorial programs at local schools, and housing and employment 
information.
  Since its founding in 1974, El Centro Hispano has continued to 
expand, now including the Mi Hermana Mayor Mentoring Program. This 
program offers college scholarships for Hispanic high school graduates, 
a social service internship program, and housing and employment 
information services. It also has a Technology Center, which offers 
computer classes for children, adults, and seniors.
  Ms. Villar has been honored with numerous awards for her commitment 
to the Hispanic community and education in Westchester and beyond. One 
of the first inductees into the White Plains Hall of Fame, she was also 
inducted into the Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and was 
featured in Who is Who in America. She received the Westchester 
Community Foundation Leadership Award and will be honored with the 
dedication of Isabel Elsa Villar Boulevard in White Plains, New York, 
on June 16 of this year.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize my friend Isabel E. Villar for 
her remarkable service and lifelong commitment to enriching the lives 
of others. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring her tremendous 
accomplishments.

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