[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 188 (Thursday, November 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1586-E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING EVELYN JAVIER CENTENO, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. 
Evelyn Javier Centeno, whom I have selected to receive the American 
Dream Award. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my 
district who have made remarkable contributions to California's 5th 
Congressional District communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Ms. Centeno exemplifies these attributes and is very deserving 
of this award and recognition.
  Ms. Centeno was born in Manila, Republic of the Philippines and 
immigrated to the United States in 1971. Prior to leaving Manila, she 
earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas. She 
earned three more degrees after moving to California. She received her 
bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Golden 
Gate University, and she earned her Master of Science degree in 
Education from Chapman University. Ms. Centeno is the President and 
Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Learning Institute, a nonprofit 
organization for educational empowerment.
  Prior to founding Inspire Learning Institute, Ms. Centeno worked in 
the fields of engineering and education. Through her leadership, 
Inspire Learning Institute established a free

[[Page E1587]]

science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) summer camp and after 
school STEM enrichment programs. Since March 2013, they have served 
2,000 students in Contra Costa County and disbursed $10,000 in 
scholarship funds.
  In addition to her work with Inspire Learning Institute, Ms. Centeno 
is an active member of her community in Martinez, California. She is a 
member of the East Bay Leadership Council, founder and past president 
of the Filipino American Democratic Club, former president of the 
Martinez Citizens Oversight Committee and a former member of the Contra 
Costa Mental Health Commission.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Evelyn Javier Centeno 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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