[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 114 (Monday, June 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING BELOVED RADIO HOST, GRISEL BARAJAS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2020

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and 
recognize Grisel Barajas, a leader in the Hoosier Latino community who 
tragically passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020.
  Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Grisel moved to the United States at the 
age of 10, first to Chicago and then to Indianapolis where she 
graduated from North Central High School. She faced many difficulties 
as an immigrant and was inspired to practice social work to help other 
families navigate the same hardships and language barriers. After 
obtaining a bachelor's degree in Social Work and Spanish, she decided 
to change career paths, earning a master's degree in Mass 
Communications and Media Studies from University of Southern Indiana.
  Grisel began her radio career in 2013 when she co-hosted ``Soul & 
Salsa'' on Magic 98.5 before returning to Indianapolis in 2015 to 
become a host for the Continental Broadcast Group's Radio Latina. 
Grisel also worked as an education and communications director for the 
Indiana Latino Institute, mentoring Latino high school and college 
students. In 2018, Grisel helped to establish Radio One's La Grande 
105.1 radio station, becoming its first Program Director and serving as 
the afternoon host for ``El Relajo de La Tarde'' show. Grisel was also 
a news personality for Telemundo Indy.
  Grisel was an important voice for Latinos in Indianapolis, helping to 
inform, entertain and encourage the community. She served as a frequent 
master of ceremonies for local nonprofit events, organized yearly toy 
drives, and continued to mentor and inspire high school students. 
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Grisel worked with local 
organizations to help inform the Latino community about how to stay 
safe.
  Grisel is survived by her parents, Genoveva and Salvador Barajas, and 
her sisters.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Grisel Barajas, a 
dedicated and beloved community advocate who will be dearly missed by 
her family, friends and community.

                          ____________________