[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 64 (Thursday, April 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MATILDA ZIZOLI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2022

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Matilda Zizoli, an 
essential partner in our effort to relocate Afghan allies from Albania 
to the United States.
  When it was announced in mid-August 2021 that Afghan evacuees would 
be hosted in Tirana, Ms. Zizoli answered the call and began 
volunteering with Spirit of America, a non-profit organization whose 
mission is to support our diplomats and our men and women in uniform 
abroad. Despite her volunteer period concluding once the Afghan 
evacuees were relocated to Shengjin, Albania, Ms. Zizoli continued to 
volunteer and organize critical services support for the evacuees. She 
also continued to help Spirit of America personnel with her local 
knowledge and contacts throughout the country. In October 2021, Ms. 
Zizoli became the Albania Project Manager for Spirit of America.
  Before joining Spirit of America, Ms. Zizoli led a life of public 
service. From working with Roma communities in Tirana to serving at 
social services centers and developing mental and emotional well-being 
services for the underprivileged, Ms. Zizoli has always worked to 
better the lives of those who are less fortunate. Ms. Zizoli truly 
lives up to and embodies the Albanian notion of Besa: meaning to keep 
one's word, particularly in aiding and protecting people in their 
greatest moment of need.
  During her time as Albania Project Manager, she was in charge of the 
care, support, and well-being of 121 Afghan evacuees. Ms. Zizoli helped 
several families navigate complicated issues: the birth of two newborn 
babies, the emergency evacuation of one family to the U.S. for a major 
health issue, several personal health issues for family members, and 
the psychological support needs of vulnerable Afghan evacuees. She 
spearheaded the organization and preparation for the Afghan evacuees 
when the Department of Homeland Security fly-away team came to Albania 
and the group prepared to leave for the United States. At every turn, 
Ms. Zizoli acted with professionalism, humanity, and diligence.
  Throughout the seven months that these Afghan evacuees were in 
Albania, Ms. Zizoli went above and beyond to ensure that they were 
cared for, safe, and supported. She organized cultural events for the 
Afghans to enjoy in Albania, fostering learning and appreciation 
between the Albanian and Afghan people. She was always willing to drop 
whatever she was doing to help them navigate the complexities of 
government bureaucracies foreign to them, get them the care they 
needed, or just listen to their stories and help them through a 
difficult time. In so doing, Ms. Zizoli was instrumental in the success 
of the mission.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Matilda Zizoli for her willingness 
to go above and beyond the call of duty in our effort to evacuate 
Afghan allies from Kabul and support them in their new lives. For her 
commitment to supporting them while they awaited processing and 
resettlement to the United States, for her value to the U.S.-Albanian 
partnership, and for her ``I can manage'' attitude when encountering 
problems or hurdles, I submit these words to the Congressional Record 
so they stand as a tribute to her dedicated service when the moment 
called for it most.

                          ____________________