[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LEAH LACAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Leah Lacayo, an exemplary civil servant, advocate, and community leader 
in Ventura County.
   Leah Lacayo has defined civil service through her leadership roles 
in her community. Her volunteer work has included serving as a trustee 
of the Ventura County Fair Foundation, a founding member of Destino: 
The Hispanic Legacy Fund, a board member to the Jewish Labor Committee, 
and member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.
   She is a staunch advocate for young people and a passionate 
supporter for women's rights. Leah has also been a steward for the 
senior community working alongside her husband, Hank, with the Congress 
of California Seniors.
   Additionally, Leah Lacayo has been an active community leader and 
champion for California State University at Channel Islands (CSUCI) 
since the university's inception in 2002. More recently, she was 
elected as the Alumni and Friends Association's Executive Board 
President in 2009. While serving in this capacity, her goals were to 
promote a self-sustaining board and create scholarship opportunities 
for students. Over the years, Leah has been a steadfast supporter of 
CSUCI students as a voice that encourages and empowers them to pursue 
their academic endeavors.
   The work Leah has done, and continues to do, has strengthened our 
community in a remarkable way. Never failing to rise to the occasion 
when being asked to serve, the Board of Directors to the 31st District 
Agricultural Association elected Leah Lacayo as President while serving 
her second appointment to the board. In this capacity, she oversees the 
legal body governing the fair and fairgrounds in Ventura County. Leah 
has upheld the fair as a regional enterprise and continuing source of 
income for the area.
   Leah is a good friend to many and I certainly cherish our 
friendship. She has been a steadfast supporter and has always been 
willing to offer honest counsel to me over the years both in the 
California Legislature and in the US Congress on policy issues 
affecting Ventura County.
   For these reasons, it is my sincere pleasure to join the Jewish 
Labor Committee in recognizing Leah Lacayo with the Elinor Glenn 
Leadership Award for her extraordinary life of leadership, engagement, 
and dedication to her community.

                          ____________________