[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 114 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING LUISA ACOSTA, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. 
Luisa Acosta, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award 
for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the 
achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable 
contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Ms. Acosta is very deserving of this award and recognition.
  Ms. Acosta was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States. 
She is a successful community activist and is committed to social 
justice, particularly for employee rights.
  Luisa Acosta, the daughter of immigrant farmworkers, spent her 
childhood in the fields harvesting pears and walnuts and working in a 
fruit packing facility, Though this work was difficult, her time as a 
farmworker instilled in her a fierce determination, resilience and 
desire to better her community through social justice work. She has 
worked as a Lake County Substance Abuse Counselor, a paralegal and a 
grant writer for United Farmworkers of America, a representative for 
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local and an internal 
organizer for National Union of Health Workers.
  Ms. Acosta is an active participant in local politics and serves on 
the Lake County Democratic Central Committee. She finds time to direct 
and instruct various Latino cultural programs, including the 
Kelseyville Ballet Folklorico and the Lake County Fair Latino Fiesta. 
Ms. Acosta cites the farmworker activist and leader, Cesar Chavez, as 
one of her inspirations, and she strives to impact her community as he 
did--through humility, kindness and fearless leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Luisa Acosta for her achievements and 
for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor her 
here today with the American Dream Award.

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