[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MARIANO ULIBARRI, DIRECTOR OF THE LAS VEGAS PARACHUTE FACTORY

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                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 4, 2015

  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Mariano Ulibarri, Director of the Parachute Factory of Las 
Vegas, for his outstanding work in youth community engagement.
   Mr. Ulibarri is the founder of the Parachute Factory, a community 
makerspace that has quickly made itself a staple in the Las Vegas 
community. A makerspace is an area where individuals are able to 
congregate and engage in creative, do-it-yourself projects that provide 
beneficial skills and goods for their home communities. After hearing 
about ``Hacker Scouts,'' an Oakland, California based organization, Mr. 
Ulibarri was inspired to start a local chapter within the Las Vegas 
community. Guild #005 has provided the youth of Las Vegas with the 
opportunity to educate their fellow community members by hosting 
demonstrations with local groups such as woodworkers and through 
cultural skills workshops and a variety of other beneficial events.
   The Parachute Factory works in partnership with the Media Arts/Tech 
Department at New Mexico Highlands University and the New Mexico State 
Library. This organization has been recognized by esteemed entities, 
such as Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, for its 
innovative approach and effective practices toward progressive 
community engagement and learning. At a time where our country needs to 
invest in more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) 
education and skill building for youth, minorities, and women, the 
Parachute Factory stands as a shining example for others to emulate. 
Mr. Ulibarri is currently in Washington, D.C. attending the ``National 
Science Foundation's 2015 Maker Summit.'' His organization is among 30 
groups selected from across the nation that will have the distinct 
honor of presenting about their charitable work.
   I applaud Mr. Ulibarri's service to the community and efforts to 
provide mentoring and learning opportunities for young, tech savvy 
children. I congratulate Mr. Ulibarri and the Parachute Factory, and 
thank the entire organization for its exceptional service to our 
community.

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