[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO NOHA KOLKAILAH--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMEN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2020

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Noha 
Kolkailah of Arroyo Grande, California.
  Noha currently serves as the Principal and Director of Olive Grove 
Charter School in San Luis Obispo. She has been a fierce champion for 
education and social justice for many years. After the 2016 election, 
Noha mobilized the Muslim community to speak out for a positive and 
just future for all people at the Women's March SLO. The following 
year, she organized a ``Get to Know Your Muslim Neighbors'' event 
attended by over 800 people, advocating for compassion, kindness, 
commitment to diversity and unity, global awareness, and 
responsibility. She also helped start the Muslim Student Association at 
Cal Poly.
  Noha founded the Peace Academy of the Sciences and Arts, which offers 
an enriching summer program for children ages 6 to 11, with a focus on 
self-awareness, global citizenship, social justice, and environmental 
awareness. Through real-world applications, students are empowered to 
learn more about each other, embrace differences, and learn how to 
build on each other's strengths in a way that inspires creative 
innovation.
  Despite experiencing prejudice, Noha remains a compassionate advocate 
for a world in which we can co-exist in peace and harmony, and leads 
with her heart, courage and kindness. She is a strong Muslim woman and 
she is not afraid to speak her truth, setting the example for others to 
do the same.
  Her work on the Central Coast in educating the community at large on 
the issues marginalized communities face, her tireless efforts to bring 
people together in understanding and accepting differences, and her 
resilience in facing adversity with grace make Noha a wonderful asset 
to our community. As a champion for youth, women, and the marginalized, 
we are so lucky to have Noha in our district. I ask all Members to join 
me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th 
Congressional District, Noha Kolkailah, for her incredible service to 
her community.

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