[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 114 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MYRNA LARDIZABAL DE VERA, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Mayor 
Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, 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. Mayor De Vera is very deserving of this award and 
recognition.
  Mayor De Vera was born in Cebu City, Philippines and immigrated to 
the United States. She has lived in Hercules, CA since 1991. She is a 
successful insurance agency owner and public servant.
  Mayor De Vera learned the value of community service from her parents 
who were both active in their Cebu City community. She began 
volunteering with the Cebu Jaycees and Rotary Club of Cebu-West when 
she was six years old. She received her Bachelor's Degree in 
Architecture from the University of the Philippines before immigrating 
to the United States. Mayor De Vera honors her parents' Filipino 
heritage and legacy of community service by working with organizations 
such as the Filipina Women's Network and Hercules Democratic Club.
  Mayor De Vera was elected to be the Mayor of Hercules in 2011, 2014 
and 2017. She is the only women and Filipina on the city council, 
something she does not take lightly saying, ``I took on the challenge 
of changing the stereotyping of Filipinas.'' Ms. De Vera dedicates 
herself to public service not just in Hercules, but throughout the 
region, serving on various commissions and committees to help improve 
the lives of those around her. Her great work led the Hercules Chamber 
of Commerce to name her Citizen of the Year in 2014.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mayor Myrna Lardizabal De Vera for her 
achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper 
that we honor her here today with the American Dream Award.

                          ____________________