[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMENDING JESSENIA FILOMENO

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                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to commend Jessenia 
Filomeno, a young Latina who has dedicated her life to volunteerism and 
community service. She is a role model who selflessly mentors at risk 
youth and helps them achieve academic success.
  She is a graduate from Brooklyn's Pratt Institute where she earned a 
Bachelor degree in Architecture. She has served as a young Ambassador 
to Brooklyn representing Puerto Rico. Since her youth and for the past 
20 years, Ms. Filomeno has been a member of the Brooklyn Three Kings 
Day Parade Inc. where she coordinates the distribution of more than 
1,000 toys for underserved children.
  Jessenia is also the CEO of Filomeno Family Awards Foundation, Inc. A 
foundation who mentors and monitors the progress of the students they 
support from kindergarten to college. Jessenia and the Foundation 
annually host a gala where students are awarded scholarships and 
recognition for their accomplishments. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto 
Rico, Jessenia organized a community relief effort to help the children 
and families impacted by this disaster.
  What is amazing is that Jessenia suffers from chronic Lupus disease 
and yet she manages to volunteer and help the underserved and most 
vulnerable in our community. Jessenia is proud to bring hope and a 
smile to all her initiatives. She states that she is very fortunate to 
be 35 years of age and able to live and contribute to society.
  Please join me in saluting Jessenia Filomeno and the Filomeno Family 
Awards Foundation Inc. on the celebration of its annual gala held on 
March 31, 2018.

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