[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 99 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING MRS. ANTONIETTA ``TONI'' HERNANDEZ-SERNA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise today in honor of Mrs. Antonietta ``Toni'' Hernandez-Serna whose 
commitment to our hometown of San Antonio is one to be admired. Today 
marks the beginning of her retirement after over 20 years of public 
service; throughout which her passion for improving her community 
remained unchanged.
  Toni was born on April 20, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas to union 
leaders Louisa and Jesus Hernandez and is the oldest of six siblings--
Yolanda, Jesse, David, Hector, and Roland. Louisa's community activism 
is reflected in Toni's work as a community organizer.
  Upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Texas State 
University, Toni found her calling as an organizer while serving as a 
Field Representative with the American Federation of Labor and Congress 
of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) where she led the implementation 
of their national policies.
  Fulfilling a desire to return home, Toni transferred from Colorado 
with her husband of now 28 years, Joe Serna, and their daughter, Selina 
Rocha, to take on a position as the Political and Community Director 
with the Service Employees International Union. Throughout the years, 
she worked to elect numerous candidates into local office who empowered 
workers' rights. In 2007, she served as Outreach Coordinator for Texas 
State Representative Mike Villarreal, and later became District 
Director in 2010.
  In 2013, Toni's journey lead her to Texas' 20th Congressional 
District where she served as my Outreach and District Director. I have 
seen firsthand her dedication and persistence to serve our community. 
Her tireless efforts combined with a true passion for public service is 
nothing short of extraordinary. With this in mind, Toni is a remarkable 
role model to Selina Rocha; her nephew, Jesse Rene Hernandez; and 
grandmother to Charlotte Rocha, and to all of us in the San Antonio 
community.
  Madam Speaker, Mrs. Antonietta ``Toni'' Hernandez-Serna has played a 
tremendous part in moving Texas 20th forward. I thank Toni for her many 
years of service and steadfast commitment to our hometown. I am proud 
to have served the people of Texas 20th with you.

                          ____________________