[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 222 (Thursday, December 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1400-E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF MONICA CRIADO-CUEVAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 30, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Monica 
Criado-Cuevas. Monica passed away on December 13, 2021. She was an 
inspiring woman, mother, mentor, wife, and cultural figure.

[[Page E1401]]

   Monica was born on February 5, 1967 in Fresno, California, where she 
was raised. Monica was brought up from humble beginnings. Her parents 
worked as seasonal farmworkers, and she herself took on the same 
responsibility to support her family. This was no small feat for 
Monica. While working to become the first individual to ever graduate 
in her family, she worked long hours picking oranges, peaches, and 
grapes. Monica persevered and went on to earn her bachelor's degree at 
Fresno State and her master's degree from National University.
   Monica worked for State Center Community College District for 23 
years and became the Dean of Student Services and Counseling at Fresno 
City College, where she will be remembered for her care, kindness and 
commitment to the students and faculty. Monica was a beacon of light 
for many students that came from similar circumstances as herself. Her 
ability to recognize and understand the challenges that presented 
themselves in those students' lives allowed her to help them overcome 
their obstacles more effectively. She was adored by her students. In 
2019, Monica was inducted into the Muro de Honor (Wall of Honor) for 
accomplished district alumni.
   Monica's excellence extended far beyond her profession. She was a 
prominent cultural figure in the Latino community. Monica served as 
president of the Latino Educational Issues Roundtable and was secretary 
of the Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium of the San Joaquin 
Valley. Her heritage was captured vividly in her love for Folkloric 
dance, which she developed a deep passion for at a very early age. 
Monica would put audiences in awe while perfectly executing elaborate 
traditional dances at charitable events and gatherings.
   Monica will be remembered for her profound impact on the lives of 
those she came across. It was her kindness, care, and charisma that 
allowed her to touch the hearts of everyone around her. We send out our 
thoughts and prayers to her family. She is survived by her mother, 
Alicia Criado; her sister Leticia Montes; children Michael, Matthew, 
and Miranda; and two granddaughters.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life 
of Monica Cuevas. Her service and contributions to the city of Fresno 
will be missed dearly. I join her family and friends in celebrating 
Monica's life.

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