[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CINDY O'BOYLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cindy O'Boyle of 
Kalispell for encouraging, empowering, and uplifting women throughout 
Montana through the Montana Woman Foundation (MWF). Sixteen years ago, 
Cindy founded MWF and serves as its executive director. The 50I(c)(3) 
nonprofit organization's mission is to help all Montana women reach 
their full potential through mentorship, workshops, and scholarships 
the group provides.
  Cindy says she knows how important it is for women to support women. 
The group's board believes women are stronger together and that 
programs that help women overcome challenges will ultimately benefit 
them and their communities.
  Each year, MWF generally awards scholarships to women ``who are 
generally non-traditional students or women who are underserved, 
underprivileged or have dealt with a variety of struggles including but 
not limited to homelessness or poverty, health issues, learning 
disabilities, domestic-violence, foster care, single- or teen 
motherhood.''
  Any Montana woman, regardless of age or social, economic, or cultural 
differences, may apply for the scholarship or participate in 
educational workshops or mentorship program. The goal is always the 
same: empower women to overcome obstacles, improve themselves, and 
better their community.
  One specific example of success, which is near and dear to Cindy's 
heart, is a woman MWF helped during its first five years. The woman in 
her early 60s was married, and her husband worked and provided for 
them. Unfortunately, he had a stroke that forced him to end his career. 
The couple were not situated for retirement, and she faced the 
challenge of finding a good-paying job. To earn what the couple needed, 
she needed to go back to school. MWF paid for her to get the education 
she needed, she became an office assistant, and she began providing for 
the family. Cindy says it's scary to be put in that situation, but the 
woman's grit and determination brought her success.
  This week, the foundation, which received over 250 applications for 
its 2020 scholarships, will announce the recipients. While MWF usually 
awards four annual scholarships, it will provide seven scholarships 
this year to Montana women across our state.
  Madam Speaker, for nurturing and encouraging Montana women, helping 
change their lives, and supporting them in their success, I recognize 
Cindy O'Boyle of Kalispell for her Spirit of Montana.

                          ____________________