[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 193 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING AIREEN SNYDER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

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                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Aireen Snyder, a community 
leader and President of the Filipino American Association of Iowa, as 
Iowan of the Week.
  Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our state, with people 
from all different backgrounds coming together to form an incredible 
community in Iowa. There is no better way to celebrate this diversity 
than with Filipino Heritage Month and Aireen Snyder, who has worked 
tirelessly to promote the values of community and diversity throughout 
our state.
  Arriving in Iowa from the Philippines in 2008, Aireen quickly became 
involved with the thriving Filipino community. She has played an active 
role in the Filipino American Association, chairing several committees, 
editing the newsletter and now is President. Perhaps most impressive 
was her leadership in creating a Filipino Language class. With language 
being such a valuable aspect of culture, Aireen developed an entire 
curriculum and worked with Des Moines Area Community College to host a 
course that was very well attended.
  Aireen holds a great amount of pride for the history and legacy of 
the Filipino American Association of Iowa. The association formed in 
1975 with the goal of promoting and enhancing cultural and heritage 
awareness of the Philippines among Iowans. This important mission is 
carried out through a variety of events and initiatives. For example, 
as President, Aireen has overseen the humanitarian and charitable aid 
that the association offers to its community, including legal 
assistance and college scholarships. Most notably, the organization 
raised $14,000 following the ``super typhoon'' in the Philippines. The 
funds were used to support a variety of non-profit organizations in the 
country, including the Filipino Red Cross.
  Community events are also an important aspect of the Filipino 
American Association of Iowa and Aireen's work as president. Events 
range from Christmas parties, parol lantern making, and most recently 
the Des Moines ``Celebrasian'' hosted by the Iowa Asian Alliance. The 
association proudly hosted three booths featuring Filipino food, 
clothing and traditions.
  With nearly 5,000 Filipino Americans residing in Iowa, it is only 
fitting that we honor such an impactful leader and community builder, 
Aireen Snyder, for Filipino Heritage month. Her commitment to her 
culture and home country is a testament to the beautiful diversity in 
Iowa that makes our state stronger. I am humbled and inspired by 
Aireen's work for the Filipino community of Iowa. It is my honor to 
name her Iowan of the Week.

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