[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              IN RECOGNITION OF JUANITA ``SHEBA'' VELASCO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 21, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my constituent, 
Juanita ``Sheba'' Velasco, on receiving the World Experiences 
Foundation's 2017 Global Citizen Award in Indigenous Diplomacy. Ms. 
Velasco, originally a weaver from the highlands of Guatemala, maintains 
a strong passion for Mayan education and promoting indigenous 
diplomacy.
  Over the course of her life, Ms. Velasco has worked in several 
museums, culture centers, schools, and universities around the world 
sharing her knowledge of the Mayan culture. In fact in 2016, Ms. 
Velasco was appointed the International Ambassador for peace and 
tourism by the Guatemalan government.
  Most recently, Ms. Velasco conducted a goodwill tour in Oklahoma, in 
which she spoke at universities, schools, and churches in the Oklahoma 
City metropolitan area. Her tour ended with a farewell reception at the 
University of Central Oklahoma hosted by President Don Betz.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Ms. Velasco 
for receiving the Global Citizen Award in Indigenous Diplomacy and for 
her dedication to Mayan culture. I wish her the best in her future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________