[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 51 (Monday, March 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING MARY JANE BOWKER AS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 25, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary 
Jane Bowker, as 2019 Woman of the Year in Napa County, California. 
Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important 
contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and 
Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or 
Community Service.
  Ms. Bowker is at the heart of political organizing up and down the 
Napa Valley. She's a strong defender of our democratic values and 
devotes much of her time, energy and resources to bettering our 
community. Her passion is working towards positive change, as seen from 
her leadership with Progressive Women of Napa Valley and Napa Valley 
ACTS. Through Progressive Women of Napa Valley, Ms. Bowker has trained 
numerous community members to constructively engage their local, state 
and federal representatives. Ms. Bowker works within Napa Valley ACTS 
to promote progressive activist collaboration and support the annual 
Napa Valley Women's March.
  Ms. Bowker has also been instrumental in planning and organizing some 
of the biggest political events in our community, including the Napa 
Valley Women's Marches, Rock the Congress and Rock the Ride. For Rock 
the Congress, she has hosted luncheons, dinners and meetings to 
encourage interaction between the public and elected officials.
  In addition to her activism, Ms. Bowker has also been my Campaign 
Events Coordinator since 2002. She has planned countless events for me 
to engage with our community and has hosted numerous celebrations to 
thank volunteers.
  Ms. Bowker was born in Southport, Connecticut. She has been married 
to Dennis Bowker since 1972, with whom she has two sons. She is also 
the grandmother to four grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, Mary Jane Bowker is an incredible member of our 
community whose tireless work throughout her career has benefited the 
women throughout Napa County and California. Therefore, it is fitting 
and proper that we honor her here today.

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