[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 188 (Thursday, November 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1578-E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING AWILDA RIVERA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2018

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to honor Awilda Rivera, who is a Senior Congressional Assistant and 
Caseworker in my district office and is retiring after more than 30 
years of service. She has been a key part of my team for almost the 
entirety of my time in Congress, and my staff and I will sorely miss 
her.
  Awilda began her work on behalf of Bronxites in 1988, with my 
predecessor, Congressman Robert Garcia. She later joined my staff, and 
has been with my office for more

[[Page E1579]]

than 27 years. Her work was always stellar, and she consistently went 
above and beyond the call of duty to help constituents with whatever 
problems they had. She had a hard time saying no to assisting 
individuals in need. Helping others is, and I believe will always be, 
her passion.
  Although she has worked on a number of casework areas, Awilda 
primarily focused on immigration issues. Awilda's knowledge of our 
immigration laws likely outstrips that of many immigration attorneys, 
and other elected officials frequently sought out her advice and 
assistance on casework issues. It is not an exaggeration to say that 
she has helped literally thousands of my constituents obtain 
citizenship, resolve visa issues, and help family members living at 
home and abroad. I cannot tell you the number of times that people 
relate stories to me about how she helped them or a close family member 
resolve a problem.
  Awilda's passion for The Bronx is evident in her work and in her 
commitment to our community. She has lived in The Bronx all her life 
and raised both of her children in our borough. Today, she is a mother 
of two, Octavia Rivera and Jazmine Velez, and grandmother to Timothy, 
Noah, Camille and Andre.
  Awilda comes from a musical family. Her father plays the guitar and 
her son, Octavia Rivera, is a well-known artist who goes by Toby Love. 
Her brother is also a musician. Awilda loves music, dancing, and--above 
all--her family. In fact, she plans to help care for her father in 
Puerto Rico in the future.
  My constituents will deeply miss Awilda's advocacy, her compassion, 
and her selflessness. She is a legend in the community. I am deeply 
grateful for Awilda's dedication to helping others, and to the work 
that she has done for my office and my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Awilda Rivera for her 
distinguished service and extensive contributions to The Bronx and to 
the Nation.

                          ____________________