[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 153 (Friday, September 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO TRACY BEARD--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMEN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 4, 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, Tracy 
Beard of Solvang, California.
  Tracy Beard currently serves as Executive Director of the Solvang 
Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Association of California 
Commissions for Women (ACCW), and as Commissioner for Santa Barbara 
County for the past nine years. In her various capacities, Tracy is a 
champion for education and works to empower women to be entrepreneurs 
and create sustainable businesses. She has created programs on 
entrepreneurial education and collaborated with teachers and local 
entrepreneurs in Santa Ynez, Solvang, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara to 
inspire the next generation.
  As a board member of TVSB since 2014, Tracy is working to increase 
media literacy for youth. She is Co-Founder and Executive Producer for 
the International Women's Festivals, which began in Santa Barbara in 
2008 and are now celebrated in cities across the country and around the 
world, including in China and Ireland. In March 2020 Tracy was named 
one of the most influential people in California by the International 
Women's Festivals executive committee.
  Tracy received the Volunteer of the Year--Presidential Award from 
President Obama for her leadership at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa 
Barbara, where she raised awareness and funds for STEM programs. It is 
my honor to recognize Tracy who had given countless hours to educating 
the next generation in our community.
  I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman 
of California's 24th Congressional District, Tracy Beard, for her 
incredible service to her community.

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