[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 146 (Friday, August 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING ALY HERNANDEZ FOR HER SERVICE TO THE FIFTH DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 13, 2021

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
extraordinary actions and efforts of an individual that improved 
Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, Aly Hernandez. Ms. Hernandez 
has been an integral part of the Kansas City community and it is with a 
bittersweet feeling that we say goodbye to her as she ventures into a 
new opportunity in Washington D.C.
  Expressing the magnitude of Ms. Hernandez's contributions to Kansas 
City, in such a short time since she completed her bachelor's degree at 
the University of Missouri--Kansas City, is an impossible task. From 
the time that Aly began working in my office as an intern, it was 
evident that she was someone who was determined and passionate about 
creating positive change in our city, particularly within our 
underrepresented communities. Ms. Hernandez rose through the ranks in 
my office starting as an intern, to fellow, and finally becoming a 
community affairs liaison-full time staff member. Not only has she left 
an impact on a federal level, but she also continued her journey in 
public service by serving the local municipality as the External 
Affairs Manager for Mayor Quinton Lucas for more than two years. 
Through these positions, she sought to leverage the voice of others and 
aided in increasing resources to the Latino community within the Fifth 
Congressional District.
  As a strong advocate for Latinos, Ms. Hernandez took it upon herself 
to be one of the founders of a local organization Voz KC (or Voice KC), 
a new organization focused on advocating and advancing the role the 
Latino community in politics. Her own experience and journey as an 
immigrant from Mexico, searching for the American Dream, along with her 
family, made her see the challenges of being undocumented, 
underrepresented, making her search for opportunities where she could 
have an impact. With her advocacy, she has worked to make civic 
engagement accessible for everyone.
  With Aly's work in government in the 5th District of Missouri, we see 
a noticeable change in civic engagement and participation in our local 
communities. She is a perfect example of what an exceptional American 
is and truly captures the fulfillment of the ``American Dream''. 
Everyone should hope to aspire to achieve the same qualities that this 
young woman has. I undoubtedly know that she will continue to do 
amazing things not only in Washington D.C., but for the rest of our 
country. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Aly 
Hernandez's impact on the people of Kansas City, and congratulating her 
on a new career opportunity in Washington D.C.

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