[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 59 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ELIZABETH QUIROZ AS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Elizabeth Quiroz, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in 
Sonoma County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have 
made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District 
in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and 
Innovation or Community Service.
  Mrs. Quiroz was born in San Francisco, California. At a young age, 
she became a victim of human trafficking. After escaping trafficking, 
she pursued an education with the hope of learning how to help other 
victims of human trafficking recover and move forward. In 2014, Mrs. 
Quiroz began attending Santa Rosa Junior College, where she volunteered 
for the Bear Cub Scholar Program, which provides academic counseling 
for foster youth. She graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with 
highest honors in three associate degrees: social advocacy, behavioral 
science and human services. In 2021, shegraduated from Sonoma State 
University with a bachelor's degree in sociology with distinction.
  While in school, Mrs. Quiroz worked as a substance use disorder 
counselor and co-founded the nonprofit Redemption House of The Bay 
Area, which helps victims of human trafficking reclaim their lives. 
Mrs. Quiroz received many awards recognizing her incredible work, 
including the 2019 American Red Cross Humanitarian Hero Award, the 2019 
Achievement and Community Service Award from the Sonoma County Lowrider 
Council, and the 2021 Inaugural Spirit of Sonoma County Award. She also 
received the Unconditional Governor's Pardon from Governor Jerry Brown 
in 2018.
  Mrs. Quiroz currently serves as a substance use disorder counselor at 
Athena House Residential Treatment Center for women in Santa Rosa, 
while pursuing a master's degree in Social Justice and Human Rights 
from Arizona State University.
  Outside of her community work and her education, Mrs. Quiroz finds 
joy in her family, including her husband, Jose, their five children and 
one grandson. She is also looking forward to publishing her memoir, 
Purified in the Flame, on March 31st of this year.
  Madam Speaker, it is evident that Elizabeth Quiroz has devoted her 
life to helping and supporting vulnerable individuals in our community. 
Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

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