[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 161 (Friday, October 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE WORK OF ELVIRA RAMOS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE NEGUSE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2019

  Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, there are people in every community who 
are the gears that make the entire engine run, and who make their homes 
better, stronger and more interconnected. On the precipice of her 
retirement, I wish to honor one of those people from my community, 
Elvira Ramos. For over a decade, Elvira served the Community Foundation 
of Boulder County in grantmaking, mentorship, and as co-director of the 
Leadership Fellows Program. We have been blessed by her service and 
commitment to all of us, and now it is our chance to honor her.
  An experienced trainer and facilitator, one of Elvira's greatest 
gifts to the Colorado community is her willingness to mentor and 
further the leadership skills of others, focusing especially on those 
from communities that are too often overlooked. She has led workshops 
in board and leadership development, inclusive leadership, volunteer 
management and strategic planning. Elvira convenes thoughtful, thorough 
conversations that tackle critical subjects and empower others with 
knowledge and expertise which they can pay forward to create a more 
just and representative society.
  Elvira has made inclusivity and diversity pillars of her work. As an 
activist and philanthropist, she has built beloved and vital local 
organizations, ensuring that these organizations were always reaching 
outwards and creating more space at the table. Elvira has worked to 
create permanent and positive change through civic engagement and has 
built a foundational legacy upon which new community leaders will 
stand. Each of us are truly fortunate to feel the effects of her life's 
work.
  One of Elvira's favorite quotes comes from Lao Tzu: ``A leader is 
best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim 
fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.'' Though for countless 
Coloradans Elvira has emulated this exact form of leadership, kindly 
and gently guiding so many of us on a righteous path, today I would 
like to shine a bright light on her myriad contributions and powerful 
influence for good. The Colorado community wishes Elvira happiness and 
relaxation in her retirement, and sends our endless gratitude for her 
many contributions.

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