[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 17, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING WOMEN OF STEEL

  (Mr. MRVAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in observance of Women's 
History Month to honor Women of Steel, an advocacy-arm of the United 
Steelworkers.
  Throughout the years, women from diverse backgrounds have played an 
instrumental role in paving the way for women in the steel industry.
  Among these remarkable leaders was Ola Kennedy, a resident of Gary, 
Indiana, who worked for 28 years at Hammond Valve. A devoted community 
leader, Ola was involved in many union and civic organizations and was 
one of the founding members of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.
  I also want to celebrate Roberta Wood who, along with Ola, cofounded 
the steelworker women's caucus in the Chicago-Gary district of the 
Steelworkers union. In 1976, Roberta was elected the first female 
member of the USWA Local 65's executive board and is currently a member 
of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to celebrate Women's History Month and 
recognize the role Women of Steel have played to organize, unionize, 
rally, and inspire workers to fight for justice. These extraordinary 
women continue to be fearless, strong, and vocal advocates for more 
women in leadership and carry on the march to fight for full gender 
equality in the workplace. I commend these women.

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