[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 145 (Tuesday, December 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF HOPE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 2, 2014

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Hispanas 
Organized for Political Equality, or HOPE, on the celebration of its 
twenty-fifth anniversary. On December 4, 2014, HOPE will celebrate a 
quarter-century of success in championing the full participation of 
Latinas in America's democracy and economy. HOPE's efforts have 
benefited not just Latinas, but men and women of all backgrounds 
throughout our nation.
  A cross-section of Latinas from business, political, and social 
backgrounds came together to found HOPE in 1989, the same year the 
first Latina was elected to Congress. Since that time, HOPE has been a 
valuable partner to Latinas who have pushed political limits, broken 
barriers, and defined what it means to be a leader. HOPE has directly 
served more than 50,000 Latinas throughout the state of California, as 
well as millions more through advocacy efforts. HOPE's achievements 
include:
  The HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI), California's only statewide 
leadership program specifically designed to train Latina leaders in 
vital leadership and advocacy skills. More than ninety percent of HLI 
alumnae have attained leadership positions in their careers or 
communities, and thirty percent have gone on to serve on a local or 
statewide commission.
  The HOPE Youth Leadership Program (HYLP), which has prepared hundreds 
of low-income Latina high school students for college, and trained them 
in civic participation. Eighty-seven percent of HYLP participants have 
enrolled in college after graduation.
  HOPE's Latina Action Day and Latina History Day, which inspire and 
empower over 1,300 attendees each year to succeed and take 
responsibility to ensure the prosperity of their communities.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I salute HOPE, 
its Board, and its supporters. They have played a vital role in 
inspiring, empowering, and supporting so many of California's leaders 
over the last twenty-five years. California, and the entire United 
States, are stronger for their leadership. I wish HOPE continued 
success as it continues its mission to ensure political and economic 
parity for Latinas.

                          ____________________